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Bandits kill abducted Imam, 2 sons, grandson in Zamfara

Published

11 months ago

May 2, 2025

Late Alkali Salisu Suleiman and family

Bandits kill abducted Imam, 2 sons, grandson in Zamfara

The son-in-law of the late chief imam of Maru town in Zamfara State, Alkali Salisu Suleiman, has shared a harrowing account of how the religious leader, along with his two sons and two-year-old grandson, were killed by bandits while in captivity.

The chief imam, a retired Shari’a court judge, was abducted four months ago during an armed attack on the Maru community, along with 23 others, including a newlywed couple who were celebrating their marriage when the raid occurred.

A total of nine members of the imam’s family—his wife, three daughters, three sons, and a grandchild—were among those seized.
Kabiru and Khuzaifa, two of the imam’s sons, were among those killed by the bandits.

Some relatives of the imam, alongside other captives, remain in the custody of the kidnappers. Despite fulfilling ransom demands, hopes for their release are fading among the community.

The abductors initially demanded N70 million for the release of their captives, but after protracted negotiations and prayers, the amount was reduced to N11 million, which the family managed to pay.

At the time of his abduction, the imam was reportedly in poor health, prompting his family to send medication and clothing to the kidnappers as requested. It remains uncertain whether the imam succumbed to illness or was executed.

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Muhammadu (not his real name), the imam’s son-in-law, recounted the suffering endured by the victims.

He said, “Baba, my father-in-law, was already sick when he was taken. For a man of his age to witness such cruelty inflicted upon his family, it was too much for him.

“We were told that the imam was killed during the first day of Ramadan, but the bandits didn’t inform us. They threatened to kill anyone from the freed hostages who revealed the news.”

Muhammadu described the heartbreaking fate of his two-year-old son.
“We were told that he cried to death after being tortured with fire.

“The bandits were said to have used a hot stone and pressed it onto his palm while he cried in pain. His cries were unbearable, but they continued their torture.

“He died in front of his grandfather, uncles, and aunts, who could do nothing to save him,” he said, choking with emotion.

“The two sons of the imam, Kabiru and Khuzaifa, also suffered similar horrors before being killed alongside three other individuals who had been abducted from neighbouring homes. The details of their torture remain too disturbing to fully recount,” Muhammad said.

Despite their profound loss, the family holds onto faith.
“We pray that Allah grants them peace and forgiveness. And we hope that the bandits will repent and turn away from violence,” he added.

Muhammadu said the news of the deaths was confirmed by a female abductee who recently escaped from captivity.

“She confirmed the killings and detailed the brutal treatment the victims suffered.

“The bandits had warned those released not to reveal the deaths to the families of the victims under threat of further violence.

“But the woman invited us to her sick bed and narrated everything to us,” he said.
A funeral prayer in absentia was held for the victims on Tuesday, as their bodies had not yet been recovered.

The killing of the imam and his family is part of a wider surge of violence in Zamfara State.
At least 28 people have been killed in recent coordinated attacks across Maru Local Government Area, with bandits reportedly burning shops, destroying vehicles, and rustling livestock.

On Tuesday, the assailants stormed Yar Tashar Sahabi village, setting shops ablaze and carting away animals. The assault is believed to have been carried out in retaliation for an ambush by local vigilantes, who had earlier killed several bandits and recovered stolen cattle.

Bandits kill abducted Imam, 2 sons, grandson in Zamfara

(DAILY TRUST)

Related Topics:Bandits Featured grandson Imam Zamfara

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April 2, 2026

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Couple Jailed 15 Years for Selling Infant, Toddler in Calabar

The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), Cross River State Command, has secured convictions against a husband and wife for selling their children for monetary gain in Calabar. The couple, Esther Ini Udo (32) and Eyo Stephen Udo (34), were sentenced to 15 years in prison each and fined ₦2 million, following a four-count charge for child trafficking and exploitation.

The Federal High Court, Calabar heard that Esther sold her newborn baby to a trafficker, Oluchi Judith (at large), for ₦300,000, while the couple also bought a one-year-old baby from accomplices, Blessing and Uduak, for ₦150,000 and resold the child to the same trafficker for ₦400,000. The court strongly condemned the actions, describing them as a gross violation of child rights and anti-trafficking laws.

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Both defendants initially pleaded not guilty, but the court found them guilty on all counts. Justice I. Ojukwu, presiding over the case (Suit No: FHC/CA/19C/2025), sentenced Esther and Eyo Stephen to 15-year jail terms, to run concurrently from April 1, 2026, the date of judgment.

The court also directed NAPTIP to arrest Oluchi Judith, who is wanted in connection with this and other human trafficking cases. Authorities emphasize that child trafficking remains a serious offense in Nigeria, with law enforcement intensifying efforts to dismantle networks involved in the sale and exploitation of infants and toddlers.

NAPTIP hailed the convictions as a significant victory against human trafficking, urging communities to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities involving children. Officials stressed that such harsh sentences serve as a deterrent to traffickers and perpetrators of child exploitation across the country.

Couple Jailed 15 Years for Selling Infant, Toddler in Calabar

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IGP Orders Massive Security Deployment in Plateau After Deadly Jos Killings

Published

29 minutes ago

April 2, 2026

Trends Admin

Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Olatunji Disu

IGP Orders Massive Security Deployment in Plateau After Deadly Jos Killings

The Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Olatunji Disu has ordered a large-scale deployment of security personnel to Plateau State following deadly attacks in Jos North Local Government Area, where gunmen killed multiple residents in Angwan Rukuba over the weekend.

In a statement by the Force Public Relations Officer, Anthony Placid, the IGP condemned the attacks, describing them as tragic and unacceptable. He extended condolences to the Plateau State Government, victims’ families, and residents, and stressed the urgent need to restore peace in the affected areas.

As part of the response, the Deputy Inspector-General of Police in charge of Operations, Umar Shehu Nadada, was deployed to Plateau State to coordinate security efforts and assess the situation firsthand. The IGP also directed all operational commanders to ensure visible policing and actively engage with vulnerable communities.

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The deployment includes Police Mobile Force units, tactical teams, and intelligence operatives, working alongside other security agencies to restore order, prevent further violence, and apprehend perpetrators. Authorities have warned residents to remain calm, cooperate with security personnel, and report suspicious activities, discouraging any vigilante actions.

Following the attacks, the Plateau State Government imposed a 48-hour curfew in parts of Jos North to contain unrest and enable security operations. Although partially relaxed to daytime hours, tensions remain as authorities continue to monitor the situation.

President Bola Tinubu postponed a scheduled trip to Ogun State to visit Jos, offering condolences and emphasizing the federal government’s commitment to supporting security measures. Meanwhile, the Senate has directed the IGP to conduct a thorough investigation, stressing the importance of justice and stability in the state.

Efforts to identify and arrest the attackers are ongoing, with law enforcement initiating a manhunt for suspects and making arrests in connection with the killings. Security agencies continue to work to restore calm and ensure the safety of Plateau residents.

IGP Orders Massive Security Deployment in Plateau After Deadly Jos Killings

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Ohanaeze Ndigbo Disowns ‘Igwe Ndigbo’ Installation in South Africa

Published

34 minutes ago

April 2, 2026

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Ohanaeze Ndigbo Disowns ‘Igwe Ndigbo’ Installation in South Africa

Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide has rejected the controversial installation of an “Igwe Ndigbo na East London” in East London, South Africa, stating that the title is not recognised and lacks legal backing. The apex Igbo socio-cultural group clarified that the purported installation “only amounts to a mere nominal observance” and has no legitimacy under Igbo traditions or laws.

The organisation’s National Publicity Secretary, Ezechi Chukwu, expressed concern over reports of violence and unrest triggered by the coronation. He condemned attacks on innocent persons and the destruction of property, urging South African authorities to take swift action to restore law and order. “We express deep concern over the resulting disturbances, condemn the unwarranted attacks on innocent persons and destruction of property and call on relevant authorities to take necessary steps to prevent further escalation,” the statement read.

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The unrest in East London escalated after protests against the alleged coronation, with demonstrators reportedly torching vehicles and looting shops owned by foreign nationals. Video footage circulating on social media showed several vehicles and buildings allegedly belonging to foreigners set ablaze, prompting increased security measures to restore calm.

Ohanaeze stressed that the Igbo are globally known for their peaceful disposition, enterprise, and respect for host country laws. The organisation dissociated itself from any actions that contravene local customs or disrupt public peace. It further noted that, consistent with the position of the South East Council of Traditional Rulers, the conferment of the “Eze Ndigbo” title outside Igboland is not recognised.

The group advised Igbo communities in the diaspora to adopt non-kingship titles like “Onyendu” for internal coordination to prevent misrepresentation and misunderstanding. Ohanaeze also appealed to all parties involved to exercise calm, mutual respect, and constructive engagement while urging the South African government and citizens to uphold peaceful coexistence.

The Nigerian High Commission in South Africa has also clarified that the gathering was intended as a cultural event to promote Igbo heritage, not an official coronation, and warned Nigerians in South Africa to be cautious, respect local laws, and avoid public unrest.