Zamfara Governor Refuses ₦600m Ransom for Kidnapped Brothers

The Zamfara State Governor has publicly declared his refusal to pay a ₦600 million ransom for the release of his two brothers, who were kidnapped by bandits. In an interview with the Nigerian Tribune, he reiterated his long-standing position against negotiating with bandits, arguing that ransom payments only serve to empower criminals by providing them with funds to acquire more sophisticated weapons.

He recounted the incident from 2025 when his brothers were abducted, stating that the kidnappers demanded ₦300 million for each. Despite the significant amount requested, he maintained that he would not pay, questioning the rationale behind compensating criminals who had forcibly taken his family members from their homes.

The governor expressed his belief that paying ransoms only turns kidnapping into a profitable venture for bandits and criticized the previous administration's negotiation efforts as ineffective. He remains resolute in his stance, even when faced with the potential loss of family members.