Zamfara Educator killed in bandit kidnapping despite ransom paid

Malam Bashar Sani, a senior staff member at the College of Education, Maru, Zamfara State, was abducted by bandits on December 22, 2025, alongside his wife, Rashida Bashar.

He was later killed in captivity despite his family meeting the ransom demands.

Sani, who served as the director of the Management Information System unit at the college, spent 42 days in the hands of his captors. The family had paid N20 million, three motorcycles, and N150,000 worth of call cards to secure his release, but he was the only male among the kidnapped victims who did not survive. His younger brother, Hassan Sani, confirmed that Bashar suffered a fractured leg and multiple injuries inflicted by the bandits.

Hassan recounted previous attacks by the same bandit group. In 2022, Bashar’s wives were kidnapped and later released after payment of N2 million and call cards worth N30,000. Hassan himself was kidnapped during another raid and released after 62 days following the payment of N3.5 million.

During the December 2025 abduction, the bandits initially demanded N20 million, a Honda motorcycle, N200,000 in call cards, and four smartphones. After these demands were met, they made additional requests, including three 25-litre jerrycans of petrol to transport the victims. Bashar and other male victims, including a mentally challenged person, were killed before the family could secure their release.

Ustaz Ibrahim Hamida, a family friend and member of the Muslim Students Society of Nigeria, Maru Area Council, described Bashar as a hardworking man and dedicated farmer who bore the responsibilities of his family and sold his assets to meet ransom demands. He added that the family endured immense suffering during the ordeal.

Despite the tragedy, Hassan said that Bashar’s death was spiritually significant for the family, noting that he passed with Shahada, leaving his body fresh and intact.