Bandits kill Kaduna-Abuja highway kidnap victim after collecting N56m ransom

Armed bandits operating along the Kaduna-Abuja highway have reportedly killed a farmer, identified as Ibrahim Kadafa, popularly known as Ibro, despite collecting N56 million ransom from his family for his release.

Kadafa was abducted alongside his friend, Mustapha Shelpidi, while harvesting soybeans on his farm around Alheri Camp, Kilometer 30, along the Kaduna-Abuja road, on October 28, 2026.

According to a report by Silverbird TV, the deceased, who worked in Abuja, had travelled to supervise activities on his farm when the armed men invaded the area and whisked both men away to an unknown destination.

Family sources disclosed that the kidnappers initially demanded N100 million for the release of the two victims before subsequently reducing the ransom to N80 million.

Following weeks of negotiations and desperate efforts to secure their freedom, the family reportedly raised and paid N56 million to the kidnappers.

The payment was accompanied by three brand-new Samsung mobile phones and a recharge card worth N20,000, as demanded by the abductors.

However, what the family expected to be a joyful reunion ended in tragedy when they reportedly received Kadafa’s lifeless body instead of his release.

The body was handed over to the family on Wednesday, November 11, 2026, despite the ransom payment and other items supplied to the kidnappers.

Further details surrounding the incident indicated that Kadafa had sustained a gunshot injury to his leg while attempting to escape during the abduction.

Family sources said he remained in captivity for approximately two weeks without receiving medical attention for the injury.

READ ALSO; Troops reportedly kill 14 suspected bandits in katsina counter-ambush

The family suspects that complications arising from the untreated gunshot wound may have contributed to his death.

His death has heightened concerns over the activities of armed groups operating along the Kaduna-Abuja highway, where travellers and residents have repeatedly faced the threat of kidnapping and violent attacks.

Meanwhile, the whereabouts of Shelpidi, who was abducted alongside Kadafa, remain unknown as of the time of filing this report.

There are no confirmed details about whether the kidnappers have demanded additional ransom for his release or established contact with his family.

The incident has also raised fresh concerns about the safety of farmers and other residents operating in communities along the highway, particularly those who travel to their farms and businesses outside major settlements.

Security agencies have yet to issue an official statement on the abduction, ransom payment and killing of Kadafa.

There was also no official information on ongoing efforts to rescue Shelpidi or apprehend those responsible for the attack.