Suspected bandits have killed a former Vice Chairman of Bukkuyyum Local Government Area of Zamfara State, Hon. Mu’azu Muhammad Gwashi, despite collecting a ₦15 million ransom from his family.
Gwashi was abducted about five months ago and held in captivity until he was reportedly murdered last weekend.
Confirming the incident in a telephone interview, a family member, Muhammad Lawal Gwashi, said the abductors initially demanded ₦30 million for his release.
He explained that the family’s inability to raise the amount immediately prolonged the victim’s detention.
According to him, the kidnappers later reduced the ransom to ₦15 million, which the family paid after the abductors brought Gwashi to an agreed location.
“They collected the ₦15 million but still insisted on the remaining ₦15 million, saying they would not release him until the balance was paid,” he said.
He added that the killing has heightened fear in the community, forcing many residents to flee their homes in search of safety.
Meanwhile, troops of the Nigerian Army’s 6 Brigade/Sector 3 of Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS) have foiled an armed robbery attack, rescued abducted travellers, and recovered weapons in separate operations across Taraba State.
The Army disclosed this in a statement issued on Sunday by the Brigade’s Acting Spokesperson, Lt. Umar Muhammad.
According to the statement, soldiers on December 6, 2025, responded to a distress call in Manya, Takum Local Government Area, where armed robbers had barricaded the Manya–Takum Road and were dispossessing travellers.
“The troops launched a rapid clearance operation, forcing the criminals to flee and abandon their weapons,” the statement said, adding that one AK-47 rifle, an AK-47 magazine, and three rounds of 7.62mm ammunition were recovered.
In a separate operation in Kufai Amadu, also in Takum, troops rescued two abducted travellers following reports that four men from Bauchi State were kidnapped while seeking directions to Baissa in Kurmi Local Government Area.
The Army said two of the victims escaped from captivity, while search operations are ongoing to rescue the remaining abductees and apprehend the perpetrators.
In another intelligence-led raid on December 6 in Iware, Ardo-Kola Local Government Area, troops recovered arms and arrested two suspects in Garin Sambo, Tau Village.
Items recovered include two pump-action guns, 13 cartridges, two motorcycles, and four mobile phones. The suspects were identified as Baba Wura Sambo and Mallam Adamu Darda.
Commending the troops, the Brigade Commander, Brigadier General Kingsley Uwa, reiterated the Army’s commitment to sustained operations aimed at dismantling criminal networks across Taraba State.
