Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: L.Imafidon
Kaduna, Nigeria – July 4, 2026 – A former Local Government Executive Committee (EXCO) member of Nigeria's ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kaduna State, Ayuba Muhammad, has reportedly been killed by bandits after spending more than two months in captivity following his abduction, in another incident highlighting the persistent insecurity across north-west Nigeria.
Reports of his death emerged on Thursday, July 3, 2026, several weeks after he was abducted by armed bandits in Kaduna State. Security analyst Bakatsine disclosed the development, saying the former APC official died while in captivity, although the exact circumstances surrounding his death were not immediately made public.
Ayuba Muhammad was widely known in his community for his political involvement as a former APC Local Government EXCO member and for his contributions to grassroots development. He was also an active member of the Zailaniyya Ambassador group, where he was recognised for supporting community-based initiatives and humanitarian activities.
The news of his death has triggered an outpouring of grief among political associates, community leaders and residents, many of whom described him as a committed public servant whose efforts extended beyond politics into community development.
In a message mourning the deceased, Bakatsine expressed sympathy to the bereaved family and lamented the continued loss of lives to bandit attacks across northern Nigeria. He questioned how many more innocent people would have to die before the cycle of violence is brought to an end.
The killing comes amid renewed concerns over the growing number of kidnap victims who die in captivity despite prolonged negotiations and rescue efforts by relatives and security agencies.
Kaduna State remains one of the states most affected by banditry, kidnapping and violent attacks, particularly in rural communities where criminal gangs frequently target travellers, political figures, farmers and local residents for ransom.
In recent years, security agencies have intensified military offensives, intelligence-led operations and joint patrols across Kaduna and neighbouring states in an effort to dismantle bandit camps and rescue kidnapped victims. Despite these operations, attacks and abductions continue to pose serious security challenges across the region.
Analysts have repeatedly warned that the persistence of kidnapping for ransom has continued to fuel insecurity in north-west Nigeria, with armed groups exploiting remote forests and difficult terrain to evade security forces and hold victims for extended periods.
Authorities had not issued an official statement on Ayuba Muhammad's reported death at the time the reports emerged, while it remained unclear whether any ransom demand had been made during his captivity or whether security agencies had launched a rescue operation before his death.
The death of the former APC official adds to the growing list of prominent Nigerians who have fallen victim to bandit violence, reinforcing calls for stronger security measures, improved intelligence gathering and sustained operations to curb kidnapping and restore safety across Kaduna State and other parts of north-west Nigeria.
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