Families appeal for urgent rescue as bandits demand N150m for Niger officials

2026-03-08 - 16:56

By Wole Mosadomi, Minna Families of two Niger State government officials abducted five months ago are appealing for urgent intervention after bandits demanded an additional N150 million for their release, despite having already collected N70 million in ransom. The victims—Alhaji Ahmed Mohammed, a member of the State Independent National Electoral Commission, and Alhaji Alhassan Bawa Niworo, chairman of the Niger State Ward Development Project—were kidnapped along the Mokwa–Ibbi–New Bussa road with their driver on September 29, 2025. Sources from the families revealed that the gunmen initially demanded N30 million, which was paid, followed by an additional N40 million. Despite these payments, the officials were not released. The bandits are now threatening to kill them unless the fresh ransom of N150 million is paid. Alhaji Ayuba Abubakar, a relative, said the driver who was abducted with the officials has already been killed, heightening fears for the safety of the two government officials. Hajiya Kulu Mohammed Niworo, younger sister of one of the victims, also appealed to authorities to secure their safe release. The families are urging security agencies and people in positions of authority to intervene immediately to ensure the officials are rescued alive.