Yunusa Umar
Gunmen who kidnapped several persons along Pelegi and Ibbi communities on Mokwa-New Bussa road in Mashegu area of Niger State have reportedly killed one of the victims, Mallam Usman Buhari after collecting a huge ransom for his release.
Among the victim-travellers kidnapped on September 29, 2025 along with permanent commissioner II of the Niger State Independent Electoral Commission were Barr. Ahmed Mohammed; and ex-chairman of Niger State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Alhaji Alhassan Bawa Niworo.
Last Friday, Buhari’s death was made available to the public after he was tortured in captivity. The kidnappers are yet to release their victims weeks after a N70m ransom was said to have been paid by their families.
Buhari is a brother to Babangida Jibrin, a veteran journalist who has worked with DW Radio and the Voice of America, Hausa Service.
The news of the death of Buhari came through an emissary who took the ransom money to the kidnapper’s den a month after the abduction.
However, the Niger State Government, as well as other security agencies, had yet to issue any official statement.
This is coming days after Islamic State West Africa Province ambushed Army’s truck and killed Brigadier-General, M. Uba. In the same vein, terrorists raiding motorcycles invaded Kebbi girls school, kidnapping 25 schoolgirls and killed VC principal of the school.
