The Niger State Police Command has arrested a 29-year-old man, Godwin Yahaya, in connection with the alleged kidnapping and murder of a farmer, Jonah Isah, in Zawudna village, Munya Local Government Area of the state. According to the police, Yahaya allegedly contracted a man identified as Bashiru to abduct Isah, a large-scale farmer, for ransom in 2024. The abduction was carried out on June 26, 2026, when Bashiru and his gang invaded Isah's residence at midnight.
The gang reportedly killed Isah and abducted members of his family alongside three other persons. The abductors demanded N2.1 million as ransom before releasing the victims. Fortunately, the victims were recently rescued and released, and they implicated Yahaya as the person who contracted the kidnappers to carry out the operation. The police have disclosed that Yahaya was arrested on September 27, 2026, by operatives of the Department of State Services attached to the Kuchi area.
During interrogation, Yahaya allegedly confessed to contracting Bashiru to abduct the farmer so that they could share the ransom proceeds. The police also alleged that investigations revealed Yahaya took over the deceased's farmland for his personal use after the farmer's death. This development has led to Yahaya being transferred to the Sarkin-Pawa Police Division for further investigation.
The police spokesman, SP Wasiu Abiodun, stated that Yahaya is currently undergoing further investigation at the State Criminal Investigation Department in Minna. Efforts are ongoing to arrest Bashiru, who is currently at large, and other alleged accomplices. The police said the investigation would continue as authorities seek to establish the circumstances surrounding the killing and the alleged kidnapping conspiracy.
The incident has raised concerns about the security situation in the region, particularly with regards to kidnapping and land grabbing. The police have warned residents to be vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the authorities. The case has also highlighted the need for the government to address the issue of land grabbing and provide support to farmers in the region.
The Niger State Police Command has assured the public that it will do everything possible to bring the perpetrators of this crime to justice. The command has also urged anyone with information about the whereabouts of Bashiru and other suspects to come forward and assist the police in their investigation. The police are working to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.
The case is a significant development in the fight against kidnapping and land grabbing in Nigeria. The police have demonstrated their commitment to tackling the issue, and the public is eagerly awaiting the outcome of the investigation. The suspect's alleged accomplice, Bashiru, remains at large, and the police are working to apprehend him.
Key points
- The Niger State Police Command arrested a 29-year-old man for allegedly hiring kidnappers to kill a farmer and take over his land.
- The suspect, Godwin Yahaya, allegedly contracted Bashiru to abduct the farmer for ransom in 2024.
- The police are working to arrest Bashiru and other alleged accomplices, and the investigation is ongoing.
