Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
The former Chairman of the Niger State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) and a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Alhaji Mohammed Bawa Niworo, has regained his freedom after spending eight harrowing months in the hands of bandits. The 70‑year‑old was released on Sunday, May 10, 2026, bringing to an end a prolonged ordeal that began with his abduction on September 29, 2025, along the Mokwa–New Bussa road near IBB University in Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State.
Niworo was abducted around 4:00 p.m. on that fateful day when armed attackers ambushed several vehicles between the Felegi and Ibi communities, forcing passengers into the bush. Among those taken were a commissioner of the Niger State Independent Electoral Commission (NSIEC), Ahmed Mohammed (also known as Barrister Ahmed Lawyer), a lawyer, and several traders returning from the New Bussa weekly market. While some captives were released after a few weeks, Niworo and the electoral commissioner remained in captivity, reportedly held in separate locations. As of this report, Barrister Ahmed and his driver are still in the hands of their abductors.
From the very beginning, the abduction was marked by relentless financial extortion. The bandits initially demanded a staggering N150 million ransom for Niworo’s release. In December 2025, his family and community members managed to raise N30 million, which was paid to the kidnappers. However, after collecting the money, the abductors refused to let him go. Instead, they raised the demand, first asking for an additional N70 million, later demanding N120 million, and eventually returning to the initial N150 million. At one point, a fresh ransom of N150 million was demanded for each of the two officials still held. The driver who had been abducted alongside them was tragically killed during the ordeal, heightening fears for the safety of the surviving captives.
The family’s agony deepened over the months. In March 2026, relatives publicly appealed for government intervention, revealing that despite having paid a cumulative N70 million, the bandits continued to threaten the lives of the abducted officials. Niworo’s sister, Hajiya Kulu Mohammed Niworo, disclosed that the kidnappers had warned that any mention of God’s name during negotiations would lead to his immediate execution, a tactic designed to break the family’s spirit through religious intimidation. Throughout the eight‑month ordeal, the family endured repeated threats, including warnings that the former SUBEB chairman would be killed if additional payments were not made.
The turning point came in the final week of his captivity. According to a family member who spoke on condition of anonymity, the bandits contacted the family to say that Niworo had fallen ill and urgently needed medical attention. They threatened to kill him if no further payment was made. Desperate to save his life, the family rallied once more and raised an additional N50 million, which was paid on Saturday, May 9, 2026. The kidnappers released him the following day around 6:00 p.m. In total, Niworo’s family and community paid an estimated N80 million over the eight‑month period.
Niworo was released on Sunday afternoon. By evening, he had been reunited with his family members. Community members who had anxiously awaited news of his release expressed profound relief and gratitude that the ordeal had finally ended. The former SUBEB chairman is said to be in frail health after his prolonged captivity, but he has been reunited with his loved ones and is expected to undergo medical evaluation and rehabilitation.
While Niworo’s release brings comfort to his immediate family, the fate of Ahmed Mohammed (Barrister Ahmed Lawyer) remains uncertain. The electoral commissioner is still believed to be in captivity, along with his driver. Family members and well‑wishers continue to pray for their safe return, and authorities have not indicated whether ongoing efforts are being made to secure their release.
The Niger State Police Command has yet to release an official statement on Niworo’s release or on the continued captivity of the other victims. However, security sources have confirmed that investigations into the kidnappings are ongoing, and efforts to rescue the remaining captives are being pursued.
Niworo’s eight‑month ordeal underscores the persistent insecurity plaguing major highways in Niger State, where bandits have repeatedly ambushed travellers, abducted scores of people, and extorted huge ransoms from desperate families. The case also highlights the immense psychological and financial toll exacted on victims’ relatives, who are often forced to sell property, borrow money, and beg for donations to meet the escalating demands of criminals.
As the former education board chairman begins the slow process of recovery, his family has appealed to the government to intensify efforts to secure the release of Barrister Ahmed and others still held in captivity. They have also called for improved security along the Mokwa–New Bussa road and other vulnerable routes to prevent future abductions.
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