Ex-Jigawa Rep Dies In Bandits’ Den, Colleague Freed After N50m Ransom

A former House of Representatives member, Abba Anas Adamu, has died in captivity after being abducted by bandits along the Kaduna-Abuja highway.

Anas, a prominent chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), represented the Guri, Kiri-Kasamma and Birniwa Federal Constituency in Jigawa State between 2007 and 2011.

He was kidnapped last Wednesday while travelling from Kano to Abuja for a political meeting alongside another ADC stalwart, Ali Tukur Gantsa.

Sources said the two men were intercepted by armed bandits along the Kaduna-Abuja axis and taken into a forest near Jere.

The abductors initially demanded N200 million ransom but later agreed to N50 million after days of negotiations.

While Gantsa regained freedom after the ransom was paid, Anas reportedly died in captivity due to ill health.
Family and community sources disclosed that the late politician suffered from asthma and hypertension and was denied access to his medication throughout the period of captivity.

The harsh conditions and trauma were said to have worsened his condition.

It was gathered that despite efforts by his fellow captive to encourage and comfort him, Anas’ health deteriorated until he eventually died.

Sources further revealed that the kidnappers initially concealed his death before later hinting at it during negotiations.

An insider said Anas’ son and driver eventually delivered the ransom to the abductors, after which Gantsa was released.

The gunmen reportedly led the deceased’s son to the location where his father’s body had been kept.

The incident has thrown members of the ADC in Jigawa State and political associates of the deceased into mourning, with many describing him as a humble and compassionate politician committed to public service.

Spokesman of the Jigawa State Police Command, Lawan Shiisu Adam, said the command was unaware of the incident, noting that it did not occur within the state.(Daily trust)