Bandits have killed Malam Usman Buhari, one of the travellers abducted along the Mokwa–New Bussa road in Borgu Local Council of Niger State, despite receiving a heavy ransom from his family.
Buhari was kidnapped on September 29, 2025, alongside Barrister Ahmad Mohammed, Permanent Commissioner II of the Niger State Independent Electoral Commission (NSIEC), former SUBEB chairman Alhaji Alhassan Bawa Niworo, and several other travellers.
His death became public on Friday, November 14, after an emissary who delivered part of the ransom returned with the news. Sources said the abductors tortured Buhari before killing him, even after reportedly collecting ₦70 million from the families of the victims.
More than six weeks after the abduction, the remaining hostages are yet to be released.
Buhari was the brother of veteran journalist Malam Babangida Jibrin, who previously worked with DW Radio and the Voice of America (Hausa Service).
As of Wednesday, neither the Niger State Government nor security agencies had issued an official statement regarding the killing or the continued captivity of the other victims.
In a related development, former Senate President Dr. Bukola Saraki condemned Tuesday’s terrorist attack on Eruku in Kwara State, describing the incident as “shocking and deeply distressing.”
Saraki, in a statement released early Wednesday, said he received the news of the attack “with great concern,” noting that several residents were injured while others were kidnapped during the assault on the community.
He said the tragedy disrupted “the usually serene and peaceful atmosphere of the town” and urged authorities to take immediate action.
“I sympathise with all the victims and their relatives. I pray for Allah’s healing, restoration and strength at this difficult time,” Saraki said.
He called on the Federal Government and security chiefs to move quickly to secure the release of the abducted residents, stressing that Kwara’s geographic location demands stronger protection.
“The state is one of the gateways into the country and a link between the southern and northern parts. This makes it deserving of a special security arrangement that will not jeopardise our national interest and internal peace,” he stated.
Saraki prayed for divine intervention, saying: “May Allah heal our land and help us defeat all those waging war against Nigeria.”