Three suspected accomplices in a kidnapping operation have allegedly k!lled a kidnapped boy after collecting ransom from his family in Jibiya Local Government Area of Katsina State.
According to information provided to security analyst Zagazola Makama, the three suspects, all reportedly from the same community as the victim, allegedly conspired to kidnap a boy identified as Umar Sa’ad Moba and handed him over to a group of kidnappers who took him into the bush.
The kidnappers subsequently contacted the victim’s family, and after negotiations, the family reportedly paid millions of naira as ransom for his release.
Sources said the kidnappers later contacted the three suspects and handed the boy over to them with instructions to return him to his family after the ransom had been paid.
However, while transporting the victim home, the suspects allegedly realised that the boy knew their identities and could expose their involvement in the kidnapping operation.
They reportedly took the boy into the bush, k!lled him and abandoned his remains before leaving the area.
The victim’s family, having paid the ransom on Saturday but still not seeing their son by Tuesday, reportedly contacted the kidnappers to complain about the delay.
The kidnappers allegedly responded that they had handed the boy over to the three suspects on Saturday and said they would investigate what had happened.
The kidnappers subsequently devised a plan to lure the three suspects back to the area by telling them that additional ransom money had become available.
The suspects reportedly returned, believing they were going to collect more money, but were apprehended by the kidnappers.
During questioning, they allegedly disclosed what they had done with the victim.
The three suspects were subsequently k!lled by the kidnappers, according to the account.
“The incident highlights the complex and dangerous relationships that can exist between kidnappers and their local collaborators, particularly where ransom payments, concealment of identities and fear of exposure are involved,” Zagazola added.
