Bandits Execute Abducted Zamfara Lecturer, Free Wife, Daughter and Twelve Other Captives
In a tragic development in Zamfara State's ongoing security crisis, bandits have killed two abducted victims, including a university lecturer, while releasing fourteen others after a ransom payment. The victims, who were kidnapped in December 2025, included six family members of Inspector Hussaini Abubakar from the Maru Police Division.
Release and Tragic Losses
The captives were freed at approximately 1:00 p.m. on February 26, 2026. However, security analyst Zagazola Makama confirmed that two victims did not survive their ordeal. Bashir Sani Marafa, 45, and Halliru Kabiru, 50, were killed while in captivity, highlighting the extreme dangers faced by those abducted in the region.
Lecturer's Family Among Victims
Among those abducted was Malami Bashir, a lecturer, who was kidnapped alongside his wife and daughter during the attack. While Bashir was tragically killed, his wife and daughter are among the fourteen individuals released following the payment of a ransom. This incident underscores the targeting of educational professionals and their families in these violent raids.
Birth in Captivity and Medical Care
Sources revealed that a pregnant woman among the abductees gave birth to a baby girl while held captive, adding a layer of complexity to the humanitarian crisis. All released victims are currently receiving medical attention at the General Hospital in Maru to address physical and psychological trauma from their captivity.
The attack and its aftermath reflect the persistent banditry plaguing Zamfara, where kidnappings for ransom have become commonplace, often resulting in fatalities despite negotiations. The involvement of a police inspector's family members further illustrates how these crimes impact security personnel and civilians alike, straining local law enforcement and community resilience.
