A Harrowing Ordeal: How Former Kogi SDP Publicity Secretary Survived Kidnappers Den »

A harrowing ordeal unfolded on the Abaji-Abuja highway on the 6th January 2022, when Mr Bahawudeen Yahaya, former Kogi State Social Democratic Party SDP publicity secretary fell victim to kidnappers. The incident left him shaken, but fortunately, his captors deemed him “useless” due to his fragile health condition at the time. According to Mr. Yahaya’s account, he and others were abducted while travelling along the highway. His kidnappers, likely motivated by financial gain, demanded ransom from his family.

However, Mr. Yahaya’s health issues proved to be a surprising blessing in disguise. Due to his illness, he was unable to keep up with the kidnappers’ pace as they fled into the forest. The following day, his captors released him after receiving 70% of the ransom, citing that he was “useless” to them and slowing down their escape. This unexpected turn of events likely saved Mr. Yahaya’s life.

When Mr. Yahaya’s family failed to meet the rest of the kidnappers’ ransom demands. They abandoned him altogether. Fortunately, this abandonment ultimately led to his survival. Despite the traumatic experience, Mr. Yahaya was able to reunite with his family, a testament to his resilience in the face of adversity.

The incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by kidnapping in certain regions. Mr. Yahaya’s story is one of survival and gratitude. His experience stresses the importance of vigilance and safety measures when travelling through high-risk areas. The Abaji-Abuja highway has seen its share of kidnapping incidents. Mr. Yahaya’s case, though fortunate in its outcome, points to the need for continued efforts to ensure safety and security for all travellers.