Bandits Allegedly Kill Abducted NYSC Member After N10m Ransom Payment

Suspected bandits have reportedly killed an abducted former National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member, Musa Usman Abba, despite the payment of a N10 million ransom demanded for his release.

Abba, a graduate of the Federal University Gusau in Zamfara State, where he studied Plant Science and Biotechnology, was abducted on January 9, 2026, while travelling from Gusau to Sokoto State.

Following his abduction, the kidnappers contacted his family and demanded N10 million for his freedom. As the family struggled to raise the amount, the abductors reportedly released a disturbing video showing the corps member being tortured while threatening to kill him if the ransom was not paid.

In the video, Abba appeared visibly distressed as he appealed to family members, friends and well-wishers to help secure his release. He also made emotional religious appeals to his captors, pleading for mercy.

With assistance from relatives and concerned Nigerians, the family eventually raised the N10 million ransom and paid it to the abductors. However, in a troubling development disclosed on Thursday, the family said all communication with the kidnappers ceased after the payment was made, raising fears that the corps member may have been killed.

Family sources revealed that the abductors had earlier made additional demands, including the provision of motorcycles, after receiving the ransom. However, the family said it declined to meet any further requests following the sudden halt in communication.

“Since receiving the N10 million ransom payment, Abba’s abductors have completely cut off all communication with the family,” a source close to the family said.

Amid growing fears about his fate, the family said arrangements had been concluded to hold a funeral prayer in absentia for the corps member in line with Islamic rites.

According to the family, the Janaza prayer (Gha’ib) is scheduled to take place on Friday, March 6. The family also expressed gratitude to individuals and groups who offered prayers, financial support and encouragement during the difficult period.

They added that they continue to pray for Abba’s safe return if he is still alive, while also seeking divine mercy for him if he has indeed passed away.

Meanwhile, police authorities in the state had yet to issue an official statement on the incident as of the time of filing this report.