Zamfara College of Education Senior Staff Killed After N20m Ransom Payment
In a tragic escalation of violence in Zamfara State, gunmen have killed Bashar Sani, a senior staff member at Zamfara State College of Education, Maru, after his family paid a substantial ransom of N20 million. The victim, who served as Director of the Management Information System Unit at the college, was abducted on December 22, 2025, alongside his wife, Rashida Bashar, and fourteen other women.
Family Confirms Death After Ransom Payment
Bashar Sani's younger brother, Hassan Sani, confirmed the heartbreaking details of the incident. According to Hassan, the family paid the demanded ransom of N20 million, three motorcycles, and N150,000 worth of call cards, only to discover that Bashar had already died in captivity. "He passed away before the ransom was paid, but they did not inform us. We only learned of his death after the women were released in February," Hassan stated.
The victim spent forty-two days with the bandits before succumbing to severe torture and injuries. "Bashar was severely beaten by the bandits. He had a fractured leg and multiple injuries and eventually died while in captivity," Hassan explained. He was the only male among the kidnapped victims and the only one killed.
History of Targeted Attacks on the Family
This was not the first time the Sani family had been targeted by bandits. Hassan recalled that in 2022, bandits attacked Bashar's residence and kidnapped his two wives, Nafisa and Rashida, who were released after the family paid N2 million and N30,000. "That was the first incident. A few months later, the bandits returned to the community and attacked my house," Hassan said.
Fearing for their safety, both brothers relocated. Hassan moved to Maru city, while Bashar went to Sabon Birni community. However, the violence continued. Hassan himself was later kidnapped at the Emir's palace in Yan 4 community and held for sixty-two days before his release following a N3.5 million ransom payment. During that attack, bandits killed the first wife of a police officer and kidnapped his sons and second wife.
Escalating Demands and Final Betrayal
During Bashar's captivity, the bandits initially demanded N20 million, a Honda motorcycle, call cards worth N200,000, and four smartphones for his release. "He spent 42 days with the bandits before succumbing to torture and a fractured leg," Hassan recounted. Even after the family met these demands, the kidnappers requested additional motorcycles, claiming their operational vehicles were old.
The family continued raising money to comply. "They requested N150,000 in call cards and three 25-litre jerrycans of petrol to transport the kidnapped victims," Hassan said. After fulfilling these demands, the family was directed to Gidan Kano along the Talata Mafara-Sokoto Road to collect their loved ones. It was there they discovered Bashar and all other male captives had been killed, including a mentally challenged person. Bashar had died forty-two days earlier.
"Though it is painful, his death is the happiest moment for us as Muslims because he passed with Shahada. His body was fresh and has not decomposed," Hassan added, finding solace in their faith.
Community Mourns a Hardworking Man
Ustaz Ibrahim Hamida, a close friend and member of the Muslim Students Society of Nigeria, Maru Area Council, described the immense suffering endured by the family. He noted that the bandits' demands were particularly high because Bashar was kidnapped alongside the family of a police officer, Hussaini Bagega, among others.
Ibrahim remembered Bashar as a hardworking man and serious farmer who had sold all his assets to meet ransom demands. "He was the only strong person carrying the weight of his family's responsibilities," the friend stated, highlighting the devastating impact of his loss on the community.
This incident underscores the persistent security challenges in Zamfara State, where kidnapping for ransom has become a rampant criminal enterprise, often targeting educated professionals and their families despite substantial ransom payments.
