An abducted National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member, Abba, has reportedly been killed by his abductors after the payment of N10 million for his release.
A security analyst and counterinsurgency expert, Zagazola Makama, made the disclosure on Thursday while giving an update on the predicament of the corps members and his beleaguered family.
According to him, the family of Abba said there is a strong indication that their son has been killed despite meeting the ransom demand of the bandits who abducted him.
The family disclosed that the bandits stopped communicating with them shortly after the payment of N10 million ransom, raising fears that the corps member may have been murdered.
Family sources stated that the abductors had earlier demanded more items, including motorcycles, after receiving the initial payment but they refused to meet their additional demands following the sudden cessation of communication by the bandits.
“Since receiving the N10 million ransom payment, Abba’s abductors have completely cut off all communication with the family,” said the sources.
Following the uncertainty surrounding his existential status and with high probability that he may have been killed, the family resolved to organise a funeral prayer for him in absentia in accordance with Islamic rites, Zagazola Makama quoted family members with intimate knowledge of the situation as saying.
“Abba’s family are preparing to hold his Janaza prayer (Gha’ib) on Friday, March 6, in accordance with Islamic rules,” the family added.
The family also thanked everyone who came to their aid and supported them in whatever way during the ordeal.
“Abba’s family wishes to express profound gratitude to everyone who offered support, prayers, donations and kind words during this difficult period, may the Almighty reward your generosity abundantly,” they said.
They added that the family continued to pray that if the corps member was still alive, he would regain his freedom soon.
“If he has passed on, may Allah forgive his shortcomings, accept his good deeds and grant him Al-Jannah Firdaus,” the family member said.