Bandits have released a man named Yakubu Dada. He was kidnapped with his youngest wife, Lami, along Kontagora Road in Niger State on October 31, 2024.

According to reports, Dada was freed on Monday, June 2, 2025. His family paid an extra N20 million ransom, making the total amount paid N30 million.

The kidnappers first took N10 million from the family in November 2024. Then they asked for another N20 million and four Bajaj motorcycles. They warned that they would kill Dada if their demands were not met. Sadly, the bandits killed his wife, Lami, in early May to pressure the family.

Dada is a retired civil servant who lives in the Brighter Area of Minna. He was kidnapped a few kilometers from Kontagora while traveling with his wife.

Dada’s oldest wife, Maimuna, confirmed that he was released and left near Kotonkoro in Mariga Local Government Area after the kidnappers got the extra N20 million.

Back in November 2024, the family had to sell almost everything they owned. They sold their house, two cars, beds, televisions, and other valuables to raise the first N10 million ransom.

The money was given to the kidnappers by Dada’s younger brother in a forest area in Kebbi State.

After receiving the first N10 million, the bandits first asked for N60 million. Later, they lowered their demand to N20 million and four motorcycles. The family struggled to find this amount, but they paid it to save Dada.

This tragic event shows the dangers many people face from bandits. Families sometimes lose everything trying to save their loved ones. We hope for better security so such crimes can stop.