Suspected kidnappers have handed over the lifeless body of former federal lawmaker from Jigawa State, Abba Anas Adamu, after receiving N50 million in ransom from his family. Adamu, a chieftain of the opposition African Democratic Congress (ADC), and his political associate Ali Tukur Gantsa were abducted weeks ago along the Abuja-Kaduna highway.
Abduction and ransom demand
A family source who pleaded anonymity revealed that Adamu and Gantsa fell into the hands of the assailants, who initially demanded N100 million for their release. The situation worsened when the kidnappers, who had earlier promised to release Adamu, ended up dumping his lifeless body on the outskirts of the town.
Mourning in Jigawa ADC
The incident has thrown the Jigawa ADC family and other political stakeholders into mourning, with many describing Adamu as a man of the people, a kind-hearted politician with a reputation for integrity.
“They were abducted last Wednesday en route to Abuja from Kano for a political meeting. Abductors took them to a nearby bush in Jere, demanding a ransom of N200 million. After prolonged negotiations, the sum of N50 million was agreed upon,” a family source hinted.
Health complications
Adamu, who suffered from asthma and hypertension, had been without his medication for days, exacerbating his condition amidst the fear and anxiety of their situation. Despite Gantsa’s efforts to reassure him, Adamu’s health deteriorated, leading to his death. The abductors initially withheld this information, but a statement by one of them hinted at Adamu’s demise, The Guardian gathered.
No official statement has been released by the Jigawa ADC, but it was learnt that Gantsa and Adamu’s body were en route to Kano, with burial arrangements pending.
