Kidnappers Demand N120m After Taking N30m Ransom for Ex-SUBEB Chairman's Son
The Kidnapping of Alhaji Bawa Alhassan: A Family's Struggle for Justice
Seifullah Alhassan, the eldest son of Alhaji Bawa Alhassan, has shared a harrowing account of his father’s abduction in Niger State. The incident occurred on September 29, 2025, and has left the family in a state of desperation and fear. Despite receiving a ransom of N30 million, the kidnappers have refused to release Alhaji Bawa Alhassan.
Background of Alhaji Bawa Alhassan
Alhaji Bawa Alhassan was a respected figure in Niger State. Before his kidnapping, he had served as a civil servant and later entered politics, holding the position of chairman of the local government area in 2003. He was also appointed as the State Universal Basic Education Board chairman in 2015 by then-governor Abubakar Sani Bello, who is now a senator. His service was recognized with an award for being the best SUBEB chairman.
After retiring from public service, Alhaji Bawa Alhassan engaged in business and farming, including poultry and crop farming. He remained active in community affairs, even after leaving politics.
The Day of the Abduction
On the day of the abduction, Alhaji Bawa Alhassan was traveling from Kainji to Minna for a meeting related to the World Development Programme. Initially, he did not plan to attend, but he was persuaded to go. During the journey, he was kidnapped along with others.
Communication with the Kidnappers
The family first learned of the abduction through a neighbor, Sule Youth, who received a call about the incident. Despite initial disbelief, the family soon realized the gravity of the situation. The kidnappers contacted the family, demanding a ransom of N150 million. After negotiations, the amount was reduced to N30 million, which the family managed to raise through loans and contributions from relatives and friends.
Details About the Kidnappers
The kidnappers spoke in Hausa with a Fulani accent, making it clear that they were Fulani individuals. This detail was crucial for the family in understanding the nature of the threat they faced.
Efforts to Involve Authorities
The family attempted to report the case to the police, but their efforts were met with little success. They approached a professor at Ibrahim Babangida University, who tried to bring the matter to the attention of the state government. However, the governor was out of the country, and the response from officials was discouraging.
The Ransom Payment
The ransom was delivered in stages. The family combined their money with that of a lawyer from their town, Wawa, to make up the required amount. However, the kidnappers only released one of the captives, refusing to let go of Alhaji Bawa Alhassan and others until the full ransom was paid.
Information from the Released Victim
A woman who was released provided critical information about the conditions of the captives. She described how they were held in a forest near the National Park, tied up with chains, and subjected to harsh treatment. She mentioned that some captives managed to escape, while others were targeted for higher ransoms.
The Current Situation
Despite the payment of the ransom, Alhaji Bawa Alhassan remains in captivity. The family continues to face uncertainty and despair. Seifullah Alhassan expressed frustration with the lack of support from the government and the police, urging them to take more decisive action.
The Family's Struggles
The family has been coping with the situation by relying on the support of relatives, friends, and neighbors. With multiple dependents, including children in school and a spouse, the financial burden has been immense. Contributions from uncles and aunts, as well as agricultural support from neighbors, have helped sustain the family during this difficult time.
A Plea for Help
Seifullah Alhassan implores the government and the police to intervene and rescue his father. He emphasizes that no life is more important than another and urges authorities to act swiftly to secure the release of all captives. The family believes that their efforts alone are insufficient, and they need the support of the government to bring justice and safety back to their lives.
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