Grief and outrage have enveloped Jigawa State following the killing of former Guri Local Government Chairman and House of Representatives aspirant, Hon. Abba Anas Adamu Laushi, who was reportedly murdered by kidnappers after months in captivity despite the payment of a huge ransom.
The late politician, a prominent figure in the African Democratic Congress and an aspirant for the Birniwa/Guri/Kirikasamma Federal Constituency seat, was abducted alongside Hon. Aliyu Tukur Gantsa along the notorious Abuja–Kaduna highway while travelling to Abuja for political engagements linked to preparations for the 2027 elections.
Sources close to the family and political associates disclosed that Hon. Laushi was reportedly heading to Abuja to obtain forms related to his political ambition when gunmen intercepted their vehicle around the Rijana axis of the Kaduna–Abuja road, an area long associated with kidnappings and deadly attacks.
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Security analysts and local sources described the incident as another tragic reminder of the worsening insecurity along one of Nigeria’s most dangerous highways.
Reports from conflict reporter and fact-checker “BAKATSINE” indicated that the kidnappers allegedly received about ₦70 million ransom before eventually killing the politician.
Other accounts had earlier suggested varying ransom figures after negotiations reportedly reduced an initial demand believed to be over ₦200 million.
Despite efforts by family members, political associates, and community leaders to secure his freedom, the former lawmaker was reportedly killed in captivity, while Hon. Aliyu Tukur Gantsa was later released alive.
Sources familiar with the development said the deceased had underlying health challenges, including asthma and hypertension, which may have deteriorated during captivity due to lack of proper medical attention.
The killing has sent shockwaves across Guri, Birniwa, and Kirikasamma, where the late politician enjoyed considerable political influence and grassroots support.
Political associates described him as a committed grassroots mobilizer and seasoned politician whose death represents a major loss to the constituency and Jigawa politics.
Residents and political observers have also renewed calls on the Federal Government and security agencies to intensify efforts toward securing the Abuja–Kaduna highway, which has witnessed repeated cases of abductions, killings, and attacks despite several military and security operations in the area.
The tragic development has further fueled public frustration over the growing trend of kidnappers killing victims even after ransom payments are made, raising fresh concerns about the effectiveness of current security strategies against banditry and organized criminal networks operating across northern Nigeria.
As condolences continue to pour in from political leaders, associates, and residents, many Nigerians are demanding urgent and decisive action to halt the wave of kidnappings and restore public confidence in the nation’s security architecture.