March 15, 2026 — Zamfara, Nigeria
Malam Bashar Sani, a senior administrator at the College of Education, Maru, was killed by suspected bandits in Zamfara State despite his family paying a ransom of ₦20 million, along with motorcycles, airtime, and mobile phones.
Investigations by PRNigeria revealed that Sani’s family had previously spent at least ₦25.7 million over the years securing the release of kidnapped relatives, including his two wives and younger brother, Hassan Sani.
According to Hassan, the family moved to a more populated area in Maru town to escape repeated attacks, but the bandits tracked them down 18 months later. During the raid, the kidnappers abducted Malam Bashar Sani, one of his wives, his daughter, and several other residents. They also abducted the wife of a policeman and her five children.
The kidnappers demanded ₦20 million in ransom, plus motorcycles, airtime worth ₦200,000, and four mobile phones. Despite the family meeting these demands, the bandits continued escalating demands, including additional motorcycles. Unknown to the family, Sani had already been killed in captivity.
Investigations revealed that Sani died in the bandits’ camp from prolonged torture and untreated injuries, including a fractured leg sustained during captivity.
Community leaders described Sani as a respected educator and administrator whose death has reignited calls for stronger security measures in Zamfara and other Northern Nigerian regions affected by banditry.
Friends, colleagues, and community members continue to mourn him, offering prayers for the repose of his soul.
— SUNTV Global Channel Reporting
