Woman Dies After Family Pays N25m Ransom to Kidnappers

On January 24, 2026, gunmen stormed a community in Ekiti, abducting five women, including a nurse and a pregnant woman. The kidnappers initially demanded a ransom of N100 million but after negotiations, the family raised N25 million, leading to the release of six captives.

Hawau Suleiman, one of the victims, became weak during the ordeal and eventually collapsed, leading to her death in the bandits' camp. Muhammad Soliu, another freed victim, recounted the harrowing experience of being forced to trek several kilometers barefoot through thick forest.

The police spokesperson for the Ekiti command, Sundai Abutu, confirmed that investigations are ongoing to recover Suleiman's remains, which have not yet been located due to the forest's depth. The six other women released were taken to an undisclosed hospital for medical attention after spending 11 days in captivity.