Zamfara Governor Refused N300 Million Ransom After Kidnappers Abducted His Brothers
Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal has disclosed that he refused to pay a ransom of N300 million demanded by kidnappers who abducted members of his family, including his brothers. The governor said he instead told the abductors to carry out their threat if they intended to kill the victims, insisting that he would not negotiate with criminals or encourage the growing menace of kidnapping through ransom payments.
The governor made the revelation while speaking on the worsening security situation and the need to adopt firm measures against banditry and kidnapping in Nigeria. According to him, the painful experience tested his resolve, but he remained committed to the principle that paying ransom only strengthens criminal groups and encourages more abductions.
Lawal explained that the kidnappers had contacted him after abducting his brothers and demanded N300 million for their release. Despite the emotional pressure of having close family members held captive, he said he refused to meet the demand because doing so would send the wrong message and undermine efforts to tackle insecurity.
According to the governor, he informed the kidnappers that if they had decided to kill his brothers, they should go ahead because he would not provide financial support that could empower them to continue attacking innocent Nigerians. He noted that the decision was one of the most difficult moments of his life but believed it was necessary in the interest of the larger fight against kidnapping.
Lawal emphasized that the payment of ransom has become one of the factors sustaining criminal activities across parts of the country. He argued that once kidnappers receive money, they often use it to acquire more weapons, recruit additional members and plan further attacks on communities.
The governor said governments at all levels must remain united in rejecting ransom payments while strengthening security operations against criminal groups. He stressed that defeating kidnapping requires a combination of intelligence gathering, improved security coordination and sustained support for security agencies.
He also acknowledged the emotional trauma experienced by families of kidnap victims, saying he understands the pain because he has personally gone through a similar ordeal. However, he maintained that difficult decisions are sometimes necessary to protect society from the long-term consequences of financing criminal organizations.
Lawal reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to improving security across Zamfara State, one of the states that has faced persistent attacks by armed bandits in recent years. He said efforts are ongoing to enhance collaboration between security agencies, local communities and traditional rulers to improve intelligence sharing and respond more effectively to security threats.
The governor further stated that his administration is investing in initiatives aimed at addressing some of the underlying causes of insecurity, including youth unemployment, poverty and limited economic opportunities. He argued that while military operations remain important, long-term peace also depends on creating better opportunities for young people.
Security experts have long warned against paying ransom to kidnappers, noting that such payments often fuel the cycle of abductions. At the same time, many families faced with the immediate threat to their loved ones continue to struggle with the difficult choice between complying with kidnappers’ demands or risking the lives of those in captivity.
Lawal’s remarks have generated widespread reactions across the country, with many Nigerians debating the moral and practical implications of refusing ransom payments in kidnapping cases. While some have praised the governor’s firm stance against criminality, others have expressed sympathy for families who face life-and-death decisions under similar circumstances.
As insecurity remains a major national concern, the governor reiterated the need for stronger security policies, increased intelligence operations and greater cooperation among federal, state and local authorities. He expressed hope that sustained efforts by security agencies would eventually reduce the activities of kidnappers and restore peace to affected communities.
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