Abducted NYSC Member Feared Killed After Family Paying N10 Million Ransom
Family members of an abducted National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member, identified as Abba, have claimed he has been killed by his kidnappers despite paying a ransom of N10million for his release.
According to reports, the family said communication with the kidnappers suddenly stopped after the ransom was paid, deepening fears that the corps member may have been murdered.
Family sources revealed that the abductors had initially demanded N10million for his release but later made fresh demands after receiving the money.
According to them, the kidnappers also requested motorcycles in addition to the ransom already paid.
“Since receiving the N10 million ransom payment, Abba’s abductors have completely cut off all communication with the family,” the sources said, according to a security analyst and counter-insurgency expert, Zagazola Makama.
The family said it had decided not to comply with any further demands following the abrupt silence from the abductors.
As a result of the development, the family said it had begun arrangements to conduct funeral prayers for the corps member in absentia in line with Islamic traditions.
“Abba’s family are preparing to hold his Janaza prayer (Gha’ib) on Friday, March 6, in accordance with Islamic rules,” the family said.
They also expressed appreciation to individuals and groups who supported them during the ordeal.
“Abba’s family wishes to express profound gratitude to everyone who offered support, prayers, donations and kind words during this difficult period.
“May the Almighty reward your generosity abundantly,” the family added.
The relatives also said they were still holding onto hope that the corps member might be alive.
“If he has passed on, may Allah forgive his shortcomings, accept his good deeds and grant him Al-Jannah Firdaus,” a family member said.
The deceased had earlier cried out for urgent help after terrorists locally dubbed as bandits subjected him to severe torture in captivity.
The criminals repeatedly beat, kicked and humiliated the corps member while he desperately pleaded for his life.
In a disturbing video, the helpless corps member speaking in hausa language, was seen surrounded by bandits who continuously flogged and assaulted him despite his repeated appeals in the name of God.
The footage shows the visibly exhausted and injured corps member lying helplessly on the ground as the attackers struck him mercilessly with long sticks while others punched and kicked him without restraint.
Throughout the video, the victim could be heard crying and begging Nigerians for intervention, saying his life was slipping away due to the relentless torture.
“Please help me for God’s sake, please help my life. I may soon die in this situation,” the distraught corps member pleaded in agony.
Despite his desperate cries, the attackers continued the assault.
Two of the bandits were seen flogging him repeatedly with long sticks and violently punched him, kicked him and smashed him onto the ground.
The corps member, visibly weak and struggling to breathe, continued begging for mercy, invoking religious appeals in an attempt to soften his captors.
“For the sake of Allah, please help me. For the sake of Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W), please help me. Please help my life,” he cried.
