Hon. Anas Adamu Laushi, a former chairman of Guri Local Government Area in Jigawa State and a House of Representatives aspirant under the African Democratic Congress, has reportedly been killed by kidnappers after a ransom payment of ₦75 million was allegedly made to secure his release.
According to reports emerging from Jigawa State and multiple local sources, Laushi was abducted alongside Hon. Aliyu Tukur Gantsa along the Abuja–Kaduna highway, one of Nigeria’s most notorious kidnapping corridors.
Initial reports indicated that both politicians were kidnapped while travelling on the highway, a route that has witnessed repeated attacks by armed criminal groups over the years. Security challenges along the Abuja–Kaduna road have persisted despite increased military deployments and repeated government assurances aimed at restoring public confidence.
Local reports and political associates said negotiations were opened with the abductors after contact was established. According to Sahara Reporters and other circulating accounts from political sources in Jigawa State, ₦75 million was reportedly paid in an effort to secure Laushi’s freedom.
Despite the reported payment, Laushi was later killed by his captors, triggering outrage and renewed concerns over the worsening insecurity affecting highways across northern Nigeria. Details surrounding the exact circumstances of his death were still limited at the time of reporting, and authorities had not publicly clarified whether the second abducted politician, Hon. Aliyu Tukur Gantsa, had regained freedom or remained in captivity.
The incident has generated reactions among political figures and residents in Jigawa State, where Laushi was known as a grassroots politician and former local government chairman. Supporters described the killing as tragic and reflective of the growing dangers faced by travellers and public officials moving across parts of northern Nigeria.
The Abuja–Kaduna highway has for years remained a major flashpoint for kidnappings, armed robberies, and deadly attacks carried out by bandit groups operating within forested areas surrounding Kaduna State. Travellers on the route have frequently reported abductions targeting commuters, students, religious leaders, government officials, and commercial transport operators.
The insecurity crisis along the corridor intensified significantly in recent years, drawing national attention after several high-profile attacks, including mass kidnappings and assaults on passenger vehicles and security convoys. Although security operations have reduced some incidents at different periods, sporadic attacks continue to occur.
Kidnapping for ransom has evolved into a major criminal economy in several parts of northwestern and north-central Nigeria. Armed groups often target highways and rural communities, demanding large sums from families, political associates, or communities before releasing victims. In some cases, victims have reportedly been killed even after negotiations or ransom payments were concluded.
Security experts and civil society groups have repeatedly warned that the growing profitability of ransom payments may be contributing to the expansion of kidnapping networks, while families and associates of victims often argue they are left with little choice when lives are at risk.
Authorities in Kaduna and federal security agencies had not issued a comprehensive official statement on Laushi’s reported killing at the time this report was prepared. However, the latest incident is expected to intensify calls for stronger security measures along major highways connecting Abuja and northern states.
Political stakeholders in Jigawa State have also begun mourning Laushi’s death, with tributes describing him as an experienced local politician who remained active in grassroots mobilization and constituency politics before the incident.
The killing further highlights the broader insecurity crisis confronting Nigeria, where kidnappings, armed banditry, and attacks on rural communities continue to affect movement, economic activities, and public confidence in several regions.
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