Family members of an abducted member of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), identified as Abba, have said they fear he has been killed by his kidnappers despite the payment of a ₦10 million ransom for his release.
According to the family, communication with the abductors suddenly stopped after the ransom was delivered, raising serious concerns that the corps member may have been murdered.
Sources close to the family disclosed that the kidnappers initially demanded ₦10 million to free him. However, after the money was paid, the criminals reportedly made additional demands.
They were said to have requested motorcycles on top of the ransom that had already been handed over.
“Since receiving the ₦10 million ransom payment, Abba’s abductors have completely stopped communicating with the family,” the sources said, according to security analyst and counter-insurgency expert Zagazola Makama.
The family explained that following the sudden silence from the abductors, they decided not to meet any further demands.
Due to the uncertainty surrounding his fate, relatives have begun making arrangements to hold funeral prayers for the corps member in absentia in line with Islamic tradition.
“Abba’s family are preparing to conduct his Janaza prayer (Gha’ib) on Friday, March 6, in accordance with Islamic rites,” the family said.
They also expressed appreciation to individuals and groups who supported them during the difficult period.
“Abba’s family wishes to sincerely thank everyone who offered prayers, donations, and words of encouragement throughout this ordeal. May the Almighty reward your kindness abundantly,” the statement added.
Despite their preparations, relatives said they were still holding onto hope that he might be alive.
“If he has passed away, may Allah forgive his shortcomings, accept his good deeds, and grant him Al-Jannah Firdaus,” a family member said.
Earlier, the corps member had cried out for urgent help after terrorists, commonly referred to as bandits, reportedly subjected him to severe torture while in captivity.
In a disturbing video obtained online, the corps member, speaking in Hausa, was seen surrounded by armed bandits who repeatedly flogged and assaulted him while he desperately pleaded for help.
The footage showed the visibly injured and exhausted victim lying helplessly on the ground as the attackers struck him with long sticks while others punched and kicked him.
Throughout the video, he could be heard crying and begging Nigerians for intervention, saying his life was in danger because of the relentless torture.
“Please help me for God’s sake. Please save my life. I may die in this situation,” he pleaded.
Despite his desperate cries, the attackers continued the assault, repeatedly beating him and throwing him to the ground.
Weak and struggling to breathe, the corps member continued to beg 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 save my life,” he cried.
