For more than 45 agonizing days, prominent Niger State lawyer Barrister Isyaku Muhammad Danjuma has remained in captivity after being abducted by armed bandits, with his family struggling to gather the N80 million ransom demanded for his release.
The Prolonged Captivity and Ransom Negotiations
According to exclusive information obtained from family sources, the bandits initially demanded a staggering N200 million for the lawyer's freedom but later reduced the amount to N80 million following negotiations. The family continues to face immense challenges in raising the substantial sum required to secure his release.
Barrister Danjuma, popularly known as Ibeto among colleagues and community members, was kidnapped on October 1, 2025, during Nigeria's 65th Independence Anniversary celebrations. The abduction occurred during a brazen early-morning attack on Ibeto town in Magama Local Government Area of Niger State.
Colleagues Express Heartbreak Over Situation
One of Danjuma's close friends and professional colleagues, Sani Sa'ad, voiced profound concern about the prolonged captivity. "It's deeply saddening to share that our colleague and brother, Isyaku Muhammad Danjuma (Ibeto), has been in captivity since his abduction on 1st October 2025," Sa'ad stated.
He further explained that despite continuous efforts and consultations, the lawyer remains held by his abductors. The emotional toll on everyone connected to the situation has been significant, testing the strength of family, friends, and colleagues alike.
Details of the Violent Abduction
Witness accounts describe a terrifying scene where terrorists stormed Ibeto town in large numbers, heavily armed with sophisticated weapons that intimidated local residents. A family member recounted the horror: "A lot of them, armed with dangerous weapons and guns even bigger than what the security operatives would carry, entered our town that early morning."
The assailants specifically targeted prominent community members, leading them directly to Barrister Danjuma's location. The bandits operated openly for hours without any intervention from police or military forces, ultimately taking the lawyer into the nearby bush where he remains captive.
Pattern of Similar Abductions
This incident reflects a disturbing trend of legal professionals being targeted by kidnappers. In a similar case that gained attention in September, newly called-to-bar lawyer Barrister Onyesom Peace Udoka was abducted alongside her sister while returning home from her Call to Bar ceremony.
That abduction occurred around Lokoja, Kogi State, on Friday, September 27, just days after she was called to the bar on Tuesday, September 23, in Abuja. The kidnappers initially demanded N20 million ransom before both sisters were eventually released after payment of an undisclosed amount.
Escalating Security Crisis in Northern Nigeria
The lawyer's abduction coincides with other security incidents highlighting the growing insecurity in northern Nigerian communities. In a related development, bandits stormed the Government Girls Comprehensive School in Maga, Kebbi State, in mid-October.
During that attack, the principal was shot, Vice-Principal Hassan Makuku was killed while attempting to defend students, and a security guard was injured. Several female students were abducted, prompting security forces including police and military units to comb nearby forests in search operations.
These consecutive incidents underscore the severe security challenges facing northern Nigerian communities, with prominent citizens and educational institutions becoming frequent targets for criminal elements operating with increasing boldness.
