An Abuja-based businessman, Muhammad Shuaibu, and his 19-year-old daughter, Fatima Muhammad, have been killed by bandits despite the payment of a N12 million ransom.
Shuaibu, a trader at Dei-Dei Modern Market in Bwari Area Council of the FCT, was abducted alongside his daughter, Fatima, who was a student of the University of Abuja before her death.
The incident occurred on October 3, 2025, when armed men attacked their residence in Zhidu community, Tafa Local Government Area of Niger State, taking Shuaibu and his two daughters into captivity.
A family member, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the victims were taken into the bush after the attackers rounded up members of the household.
The source explained that the kidnappers later demanded ransom in installments, which the family paid in three tranches—N6 million, N4 million, and a final N2 million—bringing the total to N12 million.
According to him, “The kidnappers had earlier killed Fatima about three months ago, accusing her of being stubborn, even as negotiations for ransom were ongoing.”
He added that after the final payment, the kidnappers asked the person delivering the ransom to leave, claiming the businessman had died in captivity after falling seriously ill.
The family reportedly sold the victim’s shop at Dei-Dei Modern Market, his car, and a sachet water production machine to raise the ransom.
He further revealed that the bandits had demanded the sale of Shuaibu’s house, but there was no buyer.
Efforts to reach the police spokesperson, Wasiu Abiodun, for comments on the incident were unsuccessful.