The family of a kidnapped National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member, identified as Abba, now fears he may have been killed by his captors despite paying a ₦10 million ransom for his freedom.
Relatives say all communication with the abductors stopped shortly after the payment was made, raising serious concerns about the corps member’s fate.
According to family sources, the kidnappers initially demanded ₦10 million for Abba’s release. However, after receiving the money, they reportedly made additional demands, including the provision of motorcycles.
A security analyst and counter-insurgency expert, Zagazola Makama, reported that the kidnappers have since cut off contact with the family entirely.
“Since receiving the ₦10 million ransom payment, Abba’s abductors have completely stopped communicating with the family,” a source close to the family said.
Faced with the silence from the kidnappers, the family has decided not to meet any further demands.
Amid growing fears that Abba may have been killed, the family has begun preparations to hold funeral prayers in absentia, in line with Islamic tradition. The Janaza prayer (Gha’ib) is scheduled to take place on Friday, March 6.
Despite the grim situation, relatives say they are still holding onto a small measure of hope that he could 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 family also expressed gratitude to individuals and organisations that offered support, prayers and financial assistance during the ordeal.
Earlier, a distressing video circulating online showed the kidnapped corps member pleading for help while being brutally assaulted by armed bandits.
In the footage, Abba, speaking in Hausa, appeared exhausted and severely injured as his captors repeatedly beat him with sticks while others kicked and punched him.
Throughout the video, he begged for mercy and appealed to Nigerians for help.
“Please help me for God’s sake. Please save my life. I may die in this situation,” he cried.
Despite his desperate pleas, the attackers continued the assault, leaving the young corps member weak and struggling to breathe.
The incident has once again highlighted the growing insecurity and kidnapping crisis affecting parts of the country, particularly in areas plagued by banditry.