One of the 39 people abducted from Magami Diddi in Faru/Magami Ward of Maradun Local Government Area of Zamfara State has died in captivity, while the abductors have demanded N125 million ransom for the release of the remaining victims.
The victim, identified as Baba Bako, was among those kidnapped during the attack on the community. His death was reportedly communicated to relatives by the abductors during a telephone conversation in which they also issued a fresh ransom demand.
The councillor representing Faru/Magami Ward confirmed the development to ARISE News via telephone on Tuesday.
According to the councillor, Baba Bako was not killed by the abductors but died due to old age and his frail condition while in captivity.
He said the abductors demanded N125 million and warned that the money must be paid on Tuesday or they would either torture the elderly captives or increase the ransom amount.
With Baba Bako’s death, 38 victims remain in the custody of their captors in the bush.
The councillor said the incident has heightened fear and anxiety across the community, with residents worried about the fate of those still being held.
He called for urgent security intervention to secure the victims’ release and restore confidence among residents.
According to him, the immediate challenge facing families and community members is how to raise the N125 million being demanded by the abductors to secure the freedom of their loved ones.
The victims were abducted from Magami Diddi in Faru/Magami Ward, a community in Maradun Local Government Area, one of the parts of Zamfara State that has experienced repeated attacks and kidnappings in recent years.
