Kaduna Businessman Mallam Auwal Murdered by Bandits Despite N12m Ransom Payment

A distressing incident has unfolded in Kaduna State, where bandits have brutally murdered a local businessman, Mallam Auwal, despite receiving a substantial ransom of N12 million. The unfortunate events began when Auwal was abducted from his residence within the Hayin Babban Saura Police Quarters. Following his abduction, his family made frantic efforts to raise the demanded ransom, hoping it would secure his safe release. However, in a shocking turn of events, the bandits callously killed Auwal and then claimed to have buried his body. Further complicating the situation, the bandits have taken Auwal's son into captivity, after he personally delivered the ransom in an attempt to secure his father's freedom. A solemn Salatul Gha'ib, or funeral prayer in absentia, was conducted for Mallam Auwal at Kaduna's Murtala Square on Wednesday, August 12, 2026. The gathering, which included family members, neighbors, and community leaders, served as a poignant moment for the community to come together, pray for the deceased, and seek divine intervention for the safe return of Auwal's son, who remains in the bandits' custody.