Shuaibu ransom killing bandits shocks Nigeria as businessman and daughter are killed despite N12m payment to kidnappers
Abuja-based businessman Muhammad Shuaibu and his 19-year-old daughter, Fatima Muhammad, have been killed by bandits despite the payment of N12 million ransom by their family, in a deeply tragic incident that has sparked renewed concern over insecurity.
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Shuaibu ransom killing bandits case dates back to October 3, 2025, when armed men invaded the family’s residence in Zhidu community in Tafa Local Government Area of Niger State, abducting Muhammad Shuaibu and two of his daughters.
Fatima Muhammad, who was a student of the University of Abuja, was among those taken into the bush after the attackers reportedly rounded up members of the household during the raid.
According to a family member who spoke on condition of anonymity, the kidnappers later demanded ransom in instalments.
The family struggled to meet the demands, paying N6 million, followed by N4 million, and a final N2 million, bringing the total to N12 million.
The source revealed a devastating twist, stating that Fatima had been killed by the abductors about three months ago during negotiations, allegedly after being accused of defiance.
The tragedy deepened after the final ransom payment, when the kidnappers reportedly informed the family that Muhammad Shuaibu had also died in captivity after falling seriously ill.
To raise the ransom, the family was forced to sell the businessman’s shop at Dei-Dei Modern Market, his vehicle, and a sachet water production machine.
The abductors were said to have demanded the sale of his house as well, but no buyer was found.
The incident underscores the brutal realities faced by victims of kidnapping in parts of Nigeria, where ransom payments increasingly fail to guarantee safety or release, leaving families devastated despite their sacrifices.
Efforts to reach the Niger State Police Command spokesperson, SP Wasiu Abiodun, for official comment were unsuccessful at the time of filing this report.
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The heartbreaking case has intensified calls for more decisive action to tackle banditry and protect vulnerable communities across the region.
Mariam Balogun is a contributor to Freelanews.com, covering news, business, and public affairs.
