Zamfara Governor Recounts Refusing N300m Ransom for Kidnapped Brothers. ABUJA – Zamfara State Governor, Dauda Lawal, has revealed that he refused to pay a N300 million ransom demanded by kidnappers who abducted his brothers in 2019, saying negotiating with criminals only encourages more kidnappings.The governor made the disclosure on Thursday while speaking at the ARISE News and THISDAY Townhall Conference in Abuja.Lawal said the kidnappers demanded N300 million for the release of his brothers, but he remained resolute in his decision not to pay despite the personal consequences.
According to him, paying ransom strengthens criminal networks and fuels the rising wave of abductions across the country.Recounting the incident, the governor said, “My own brothers were kidnapped in 2019, and these criminals were demanding about N300 million. I said, ‘I’m not going to pay a dime. If you like, go and kill them.’”He stressed that governments and citizens must adopt a firm stance against ransom payments, arguing that refusing to negotiate with kidnappers is essential to curbing the menace and discouraging further criminal activities.
Joseph Akwagiobe is a media contributor from Cross River State, Nigeria, currently based in Abuja. He is a graduate of Microbiology and has earned several professional certifications across diverse fields, reflecting his commitment to continuous learning, professional growth, and excellence.