GUSAU: A prominent Zamfara political figure, Hon. Mu’azu Zannan Gwashi, has been killed by bandits after spending five months in captivity despite an initial ransom payment of N15 million.
Gwashi, well-known for his community involvement, was abducted on July 22, 2025, after gunmen blocked the Manyaci–Bukkuyum road and opened fire on a vehicle belonging to the Chairman of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Bukkuyum LGA, Hon. Muhammad Sala Wuta, who was shot and injured during the attack. Gwashi and two others were taken away by the attackers.
Following the abduction, the kidnappers demanded N30 million, claiming he would not be released for at least five months. Negotiations later brought the ransom down to N15 million, which his family reportedly delivered.
However, after collecting the N15 million, the bandits refused to release him and instead returned to their earlier demand for the full N30 million.
Security analyst Malam Bakatsine, who confirmed the development on Wednesday, December 10, said: Months after Hon. Mu’azu Gwashi was abducted, kidnappers repeatedly shifted their ransom demands first N30M, then N15M, and then back to N30M even after collecting the first payment.
He added that the community received confirmation on Tuesday evening that Gwashi had died in captivity.
Also mourning the politician, Zamfara resident Mohammed Ni’imatullah wrote on Facebook:
Innalillahi wa’inailaihi raji’un. Allah yajikan Hon. Mu’azu Muhammad Gwashi.
The killing has sparked renewed outrage over the worsening cycle of kidnappings, extortion, and delayed rescue efforts across northern Nigeria.
