NINE MONTHS AFTER ABDUCTION, KIDNAPPED ELECTORAL COMMISSIONER REMAINS IN CAPTIVITY DESPITE N40 MILLION RANSOM

The abducted Permanent Commissioner of the Niger State Independent Electoral Commission (NSIEC), Ahmed Mohammed Esq, has remained in captivity nine months after his family reportedly paid N40 million ransom to secure his release.

Ahmed was kidnapped by bandits along the Mokwa–Ibbi Road in Borgu Local Government Area on September 29, 2025, while travelling to Minna on an official assignment, reports.

He was kidnapped about four weeks before the local government elections held in the state on November 1, 2025.

A family member, who spoke to our correspondent on condition of anonymity, said the abductors had demanded an additional N300 million before they would release him.

According to the source, the bandits contacted the family again on Monday to ask whether they were ready to pay the fresh ransom demand, but the family said it could not raise the money.

“They (the bandits) call almost every day. It was only yesterday (Tuesday) that they did not call. We are appealing to the Niger State government to come to our aid and secure his release. He was kidnapped while on an official engagement of the Niger State government,” the family member said.

A close friend of the victim, Ayuba Abubakar, also disclosed that the family had exhausted all efforts within its means to secure Barr. Ahmed’s release since his abduction.

“We understand that the abductors have made demands, and we are also gravely concerned by reports that Barr. Ahmed’s health is seriously deteriorating.

“On behalf of his family, colleagues and well-wishers, I appeal for the urgent intervention of the Niger State government and the support of all relevant security agencies to ensure his safe and immediate release,” he said.