The family of an abducted National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member, Musa Usman Abba, is gripped by grief and uncertainty after kidnappers who demanded a ₦10 million ransom for his freedom allegedly cut off communication shortly after receiving the payment, raising strong fears that the young graduate may have been killed.
Abba, a graduate of Federal University Gusau in Zamfara State where he studied Plant Science and Biotechnology, was reportedly abducted by armed bandits while travelling along the dangerous Gusau–Sokoto road corridor earlier this year. According to family members and sources close to the case, the incident occurred on January 9, when gunmen believed to be part of a bandit group operating in the region intercepted travelers and forcibly took the corps member into captivity.
His abduction immediately triggered a frantic effort by his family, friends and community members to secure his release. Shortly after he was taken, the kidnappers reportedly contacted the family and demanded a ransom of ₦10 million, threatening to harm him if the payment was not made.
During the period of negotiation, the abductors allegedly released a disturbing video showing the corps member in captivity. In the footage, Abba appeared visibly distressed as he pleaded with relatives and the public to help raise the money demanded by his captors. According to sources familiar with the negotiations, the kidnappers repeatedly warned that his life would be in danger if the ransom was delayed.
Determined to save him, members of the family and concerned individuals mobilized resources, reaching out to friends, extended relatives and sympathetic members of the public. After days of fundraising efforts, the demanded ₦10 million was eventually raised and delivered to the kidnappers.
However, what followed deepened the family’s fears. Shortly after the ransom payment was made, communication with the abductors reportedly stopped completely. Phone lines that had previously been used to negotiate the payment were switched off, and attempts by the family to reach the kidnappers reportedly failed.
Sources within the family said the abductors had initially hinted at additional demands even after receiving the ransom, including requests for motorcycles. But when communication suddenly ceased, the family was left without any confirmation that Abba was still alive.
With days passing without any contact or proof of life, relatives say they have been forced to confront the possibility that the young corps member may have been killed despite the ransom payment.
In line with Islamic tradition observed by the family, preparations were reportedly made to hold funeral prayers in absentia — known as Salat al-Gha’ib — on Friday, March 6, even though Abba’s body has not been recovered and his death has not been officially confirmed.
The tragic development has drawn widespread sympathy and anger from Nigerians who say the case highlights the growing danger faced by young graduates participating in the national service programme, especially those posted to regions struggling with persistent banditry and kidnapping.
