The story of Bashar Sani, a respected senior administrator at the College of Education Maru in Zamfara State, is a heartbreaking testament to the escalating insecurity plaguing Northern Nigeria. Despite paying over N25.7 million in ransom and meeting numerous demands over several years, Sani was ultimately killed by the same bandits who had terrorized his family repeatedly.
A Family Under Siege
According to investigations by PRNigeria and accounts from family members, the nightmare began years ago when armed bandits invaded Sani’s residence in Tsohon Tasha, Maru Local Government Area, and abducted his two wives. In desperation to secure their freedom, he paid N2 million to the kidnappers.
But the bandits were far from done with the family.
Months after the first attack, the criminals returned and kidnapped Sani’s younger brother, Hassan Sani. Speaking about the ordeal, Hassan confirmed that his elder brother paid N3.5 million for his release.
“In addition to the N3.5 million he paid for my freedom, the kidnappers also demanded airtime recharge cards and mobile phones, which he also facilitated and delivered,” Hassan revealed.
Relocating for Safety—But No Escape
The repeated attacks traumatized the family and forced Malam Bashar Sani to relocate his household to what he believed would be a safer location—a more populated area close to relatives at Shiyyar ‘Yan Hudu in Maru town.
“My brother and his family moved to a house close to our relatives, hoping he would be safe from these marauders, but unfortunately, he could not escape them,” Hassan said with evident pain.
For approximately 18 months, the family experienced relative peace. But the bandits eventually tracked them down to their new location and launched another devastating raid.
The Final Attack and Escalating Demands
During this latest assault, the bandits abducted Malam Bashar Sani, one of his wives (who had been kidnapped before), his daughter, and several other residents. The same raid also claimed the life of a policeman’s wife, whose five children were abducted.
The kidnappers demanded N20 million for the release of Sani and his family members—a sum the family struggled to raise but eventually paid in full.
Yet the demands didn’t stop there.
The abductors also requested motorcycles, airtime recharge cards worth N200,000, and four mobile phones, all of which were delivered. When they further demanded 15 motorcycles, negotiations brought it down to three, which the family also purchased and handed over.
“After the additional motorcycles were handed over, the bandits asked the family to return home and wait for further communication regarding the release of the hostages,” Hassan explained.
The Devastating Discovery
The family was later instructed to pick up their loved ones at Gidan Kano village in Maradun Local Government Area. When they arrived, they found Sani’s wife, daughter, and other hostages—but Malam Bashar Sani was nowhere to be found.
“When we asked about him, his wife told us that he had already died while in captivity,” Hassan revealed, his voice heavy with grief.
“Unknown to us, my brother had already been killed at that time,” he added.
Further investigations revealed that the late Sani died in the bandits’ camp after prolonged torture and severe medical complications, including an untreated fractured leg sustained during his captivity.
A Community in Mourning
Residents of Maru have described the incident as a heartbreaking example of the insecurity that continues to plague rural communities across Zamfara State. Bandit groups operate with impunity, abducting victims for ransom and leaving devastating consequences in their wake.
Community leaders remember the late Sani as a widely respected educator and administrator who dedicated his life to public service and the advancement of education in the region.
His death has renewed urgent calls for stronger security interventions to protect vulnerable communities across Zamfara and other parts of Northern Nigeria battling the scourge of banditry.
A Nation That Must Do Better
This tragedy raises critical questions about the state of security in Nigeria. How can a family pay millions of naira, provide motorcycles, phones, and airtime cards, yet still lose a loved one to senseless violence? How many more families must suffer before decisive action is taken?
Friends, colleagues, and community members continue to mourn the late academic, offering prayers for the repose of his soul.
“May Allah forgive his shortcomings and grant him Aljannah,” mourners have prayed.
The story of Bashar Sani is not just about one family’s loss—it is a stark reminder of the urgent need for comprehensive security reforms and the protection of innocent Nigerians from criminal elements terrorizing our communities.
Rest in peace, Malam Bashar Sani. Your dedication to education and your family will not be forgotten.
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This tragic story underscores the urgent security challenges facing Northern Nigeria and the devastating human cost of banditry on innocent families.
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