Zamfara Educator Killed by Bandits Despite Paying N25.7 Million in Ransoms

Family members have recounted the tragic circumstances surrounding the death of Bashar Sani, a senior administrator at the College of Education Maru, who was killed by suspected bandits despite multiple ransom payments over the years.

Investigation by PRNigeria revealed that the late Sani had paid at least N25.7 million in ransom and other demands to secure the release of kidnapped family members before being ultimately killed by the same criminal network.

According to family and community sources, the ordeal began several years ago when armed bandits abducted Sani’s two wives from their residence at Tsohon Tasha in Maru Local Government Area. In a desperate bid to free them, he reportedly paid N2 million to the kidnappers.

Months later, the criminals abducted his younger brother, Hassan Sani, prompting another round of negotiations. Hassan confirmed that his brother paid N3.5 million to secure his release, along with airtime recharge cards and mobile phones.

The repeated attacks forced Sani to relocate his household to a more populated area in Shiyyar ’Yan Hudu, hoping to escape further attacks. For about 18 months, the family enjoyed relative calm before the bandits tracked them down again.

During a violent raid, the attackers abducted Bashar Sani, one of his previously kidnapped wives, his daughter, and several other residents. The bandits also killed the wife of a policeman and abducted her five children.

Ransom demands escalated dramatically, starting with N20 million in cash, plus motorcycles, airtime recharge cards worth N200,000, and four mobile phones—all of which were eventually delivered. Additional demands for 15 motorcycles were later negotiated down to three, which were also provided.

Unknown to the family, Bashar Sani had already been killed at that time. When relatives were directed to Gidan Kano village in Maradun Local Government Area to pick up the hostages, they found his wife, daughter, and others, but Bashar Sani was missing. His wife revealed that he had died in captivity.

Investigations indicated that Sani died in the bandits’ camp after prolonged torture and untreated medical complications, including a fractured leg sustained during captivity.

Residents of Maru described the incident as a heartbreaking example of the insecurity affecting rural communities in Zamfara, where bandit groups continue to abduct victims for ransom with devastating consequences.

Community leaders and colleagues mourned the late educator, highlighting his dedication to public service and the advancement of education in the region. His death has reignited calls for stronger security measures to protect vulnerable communities in Zamfara and across Northern Nigeria.

“May Allah forgive his shortcomings and grant him Aljannah,” one mourner prayed.