Gunmen have abducted the wife and son of Alhaji Yusuf Alhassan, the All Progressives Congress (APC) chairman of Yauri Local Government Area in Kebbi State, marking the latest in a series of kidnappings targeting Nigerian politicians and their relatives. The attackers stormed Alhassan's residence in the Low-Cost area of Yauri in the early hours of Thursday and fled with the victims into a nearby forest, according to reports. The Kebbi State Police Command has deployed security personnel to rescue them, with Police spokesperson SP Bashir Usman confirming the incident.
Rising Trend of Politician Kidnappings
This abduction adds to a worrying pattern across Nigeria, where politicians and their family members are increasingly targeted. Here are five recent cases that underscore the growing security crisis.
Bayo Adelabu's Sister and Twin Sons
Last month, gunmen abducted the sister of former Minister of Power and APC governorship aspirant Bayo Adelabu, along with her 12-year-old twin sons, while she was driving them to school in Ibadan, Oyo State. The family confirmed the abduction in a statement, saying they remained deeply distressed but hopeful for their release. This incident occurred weeks after a mass kidnapping of over 40 students and teachers elsewhere in Oyo State.
Retired Major General Rabe Abubakar and His Wife
One of the most tragic cases involved retired Major General Rabe Abubakar, a former Director of Defence Information. He and his wife were abducted in Katsina State in late May while traveling to a wedding. They spent two weeks in captivity, during which bandits released a video showing them appealing for the release of detained gang members. Abubakar later died in captivity. While the Katsina State Government attributed his death to underlying health complications, his family disputed that account. His wife was rescued days later, sustaining a gunshot wound during the operation.
Sapele Council Chairman Abducted in Delta
In April, gunmen abducted the chairman of Sapele Local Government Area in Delta State, Hon. Okakuro Bright Afure Abeke. The attack occurred at his hotel, leaving a vigilante member injured before the kidnappers escaped with the council chairman.
Anambra Lawmaker Justice Azuka
In one of the most shocking cases, Anambra lawmaker Hon. Justice Azuka was kidnapped in December 2024 while delivering Christmas gifts to constituents. Weeks later, his decomposing body was discovered, despite reports that a ransom had been paid.
Growing Security Concern
These cases highlight how politicians and their relatives have become victims of Nigeria's wider kidnapping crisis. As security operations continue in Yauri, attention turns to whether Alhassan's wife and son can be rescued safely. The trend raises urgent questions about the safety of public figures and the effectiveness of security measures across the country.
