Kidnappers murder 7-year-old boy after demanding N2.5m ransom in Jos

A 7-year-old boy identified as Abdullahi Rabiu, has been found lifeless a few hours after he was kidnapped in Majema area, along Ring Road, Jos North Local Government Area of Plateau State. 

The suspected kidnappers had demanded a ransom of N2.5 million but before the money could be paid, his body was found near his house.

Sukairaj Danladi Gado, the victim’s uncle, told newsmen in Jos on Wednesday, October 21 that the boy was sent on an errand by a member of his family on Monday evening but failed to return.

He said that the family became worried when the boy did not return home after which efforts were made to locate him.

“We started looking for him after that but all our efforts to locate him proved abortive,. But on Tuesday morning, we received a call from an unidentified telephone number telling us that the boy had been kidnapped and demanded a ransom of N2.5 million.,” he explained. 

"We agreed to pay the ransom because we wanted the boy to return home alive. We were hoping that he would be released, but what happened later shattered our hope

"The boy’s body was discovered on Tuesday evening in a narrow passage near his family’s residence. The incident has thrown the family and residents of the neighbourhood into mourning.”

Gado said that the family was devastated when they received the news that his body had been found, describing the experience as painful and traumatic for the family.

"We suspect that the people behind this incident may be familiar with the neighbourhood. We want security agencies to investigate the matter and ensure that those responsible are arrested," he said. 

He appealed to the security agencies to do everything possible to unravel the circumstances surrounding his death and bring the perpetrators to justice to avoid a reoccurrence.