Ex-Jigawa Lawmaker Killed by Bandits Despite Reported Ransom Payment

Former Lawmaker Abducted and Killed on Abuja-Kaduna Highway

Former Chairman of Guri Local Government Area in Jigawa State, Anas Adamu Laushi, has been killed by his abductors — even after his family reportedly paid a ransom to secure his release. The incident has sparked fresh outrage over the deteriorating security situation along Nigeria’s most notorious highway corridor.

Laushi, a House of Representatives aspirant under the African Democratic Congress (ADC), was abducted alongside another legislator, Hon. Aliyu Tukur Gantsa, while travelling along the Abuja-Kaduna highway. Armed gunmen intercepted their vehicle and seized both men.

According to Daily Report Nigeria, negotiations with the kidnappers led to the payment of a reported ₦75 million ransom. Despite receiving the money, the abductors killed Laushi anyway. The whereabouts of the second victim, Hon. Gantsa, remained unclear at the time of reporting.

Family Paid — And Still Lost Him

The betrayal by the abductors has deepened grief for the deceased’s family and community. Guri, Birniwa, and Kirikasamma local government areas in Jigawa have been repeatedly hit by kidnapping and armed attacks in recent years, but few cases have ended this way — with a ransom paid and a victim still murdered.

Efforts to get police confirmation were unsuccessful. The spokesperson for the Zamfara State Police Command reportedly did not respond to inquiries at the time of filing.

Atiku Faults Tinubu’s Security Strategy

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar seized on the tragedy to criticise President Bola Tinubu’s approach to insecurity. According to Punch, Atiku said the killing revealed “the failure of the current security strategy” and called for urgent policy changes to tackle what he described as a nationwide emergency.

The Abuja-Kaduna highway has seen repeated attacks on travellers over the years, with kidnapping gangs operating around forest corridors in the North-West and North-Central regions. Security agencies have announced multiple arrests of suspected bandits, but attacks continue.

Premium Times confirmed the death, reporting that Laushi’s body was later released by the kidnappers after the killing. No official government statement had been issued as of Monday.

Sources: Premium Times, Punch, Daily Report Nigeria