A retired civil servant, Yakubu Dada, has finally regained his freedom after spending seven months in captivity. He was released on Monday, June 2, 2025, after his family paid an additional N20 million ransom to his kidnappers.

Dada was abducted alongside his youngest wife, Lami, on October 31, 2024, while traveling along Kontagora Road in Niger State. The kidnappers had initially collected N10 million in November 2024 but refused to release their captives.

Tragic Loss During Captivity

In a heartbreaking development, the bandits killed Dada's wife, Lami, in early May 2025 to pressure the family into meeting their additional demands. They threatened to kill Dada as well if the family failed to provide an extra N20 million and four Bajaj motorcycles.

According to family sources, after receiving the additional payment, the kidnappers released Dada and abandoned him near Kotonkoro in Mariga Local Government Area of Niger State. While he had not yet returned home at the time of reporting, his family expressed profound relief over his release.

Family's Desperate Measures

Maimuna, Dada's eldest wife, revealed the extreme measures the family had taken to secure his release. "We sold almost all our belongings—our house, two cars, beds, televisions, and other valuables—to raise the initial N10 million ransom," she said.

The first ransom payment was reportedly delivered by Dada's younger brother in a forest in Kebbi State. After collecting this amount, the bandits initially demanded N60 million but later reduced their demand to N20 million and four motorcycles.

Dada, a resident of the Brighter Area of Minna, was kidnapped just a few kilometers from Kontagora while traveling with his wife. His ordeal highlights the continuing security challenges faced by residents in parts of Niger State and surrounding regions.

The total ransom paid for Dada's release amounts to N30 million, representing a devastating financial blow to the family who had to liquidate virtually all their assets to secure his freedom.