Gunmen kill Jigawa ADC gov’ship aspirant despite receiving N75m ransom

…Eight persons killed in cult attacks across Makurdi metropolis

Abba Anas Adamu Laushi, former Member of the Federal House of Representatives and African Democratic Party’s Governorship Aspirant, has been killed by kidnappers after they reportedly collected a N75 million ransom.

Laushi was abducted last Friday along the notorious Kaduna-Abuja highway while travelling to purchase his nomination form for the 2027 Jigawa State Governorship election.

Sources close to the family disclosed that he was kidnapped alongside another passenger. While the second victim reportedly escaped from captivity, the former lawmaker was allegedly killed by his abductors despite payment of the ransom demanded for his release.

His remains were said to be on their way to Kano for burial in accordance with Islamic rites.

The late politician represented the Birniwa, Guri and Kirikasamma Federal Constituency of Jigawa State in the House of Representatives between 2007 and 2011.

Until his death, Laushi was seeking the Governorship ticket of the ADC in Jigawa State ahead of the 2027 general elections.

His killing has, however, triggered renewed concerns over worsening insecurity and persistent cases of kidnapping along the Kaduna-Abuja highway, a route long associated with bandit attacks and abductions.

Political associates and supporters described his death as tragic and painful, noting that he was attacked while pursuing his political ambition and preparing for the next phase of his public service career.
Meanwhile, eight people were killed in the early hours of Monday in different locations across High Level, Awe Street, and North Bank in Makurdi, the Benue State Capital, in suspected cult attacks.

BusinessDay gathered that the incident occurred a week after suspected cultists attacked Awe Street, popularly called Agwan Jukun, where seven young people were killed in their houses.

A resident of High Level, who pleaded anonymity, said the incident, happened around 2:AM on Aliade Close, a Street in High Level, where four young persons were killed and as day broke, we also heard that the same gang of cultists went to Awe and North Bank, Area killing the another four persons, bringing the number to eight.

In an interview with Joseph Keffi, the Chairman of Makurdi Local Government Area, who also confirmed the incident to journalists in Makurdi, described the attack as unfortunate and senseless.

According to him, “Yes, I got the information that the attack occurred between 2:AM and 2:30AM on Aliade Street in the High Level Area of Makurdi.

“Information available to me indicates that some armed youths, riding on motorcycles stormed a compound where four persons were sleeping and called them out and shot them dead.

He said, on hearing the sound of gunshot, some other persons, who reportedly came out after, were also shot killed.

He said the killings were linked to cult activities involving a suspected cult member from the North Bank Area of Makurdi, who allegedly fled to High Level after a clash with rival members.