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Breaking: Kidnapped Zamfara Speaker’s Father Dies In Bandits’ Custody
Alhaji Abubakar Magarya, father of the Speaker of the Zamfara State House of Assembly, Nasiru Magarya, has died in the captivity of bandits.
Magarya, who was the District Head of Magarya village, had been kidnaped by bandits eight weeks ago alongside his wife, Hauwa’u, and three-week-old baby. He was said to have died in the bandits’s captivity as a result of heart failure.
JomogNews Nigeria reports that, the brother of the deceased Malam Dahiru Saraki Magarya who was abducted along with the late Abubakar Magarya confirmed the development to newsmen at the State Police headquarters Gusau on Sunday.
“Malam Magarya said it was one of the bandit kingpins popularly known as Kachalla that informed him a day to their rescue by the security that his brother was dead due to heart failure while in captivity”, blueprint newspaper captured.
“Although, we were separated when they kidnapped us, they took my brother to other camps, but it was Kachalla, one of the commanders of the Bandits who told me about the death of my brother as a result of heart attack few hours to our rescue,”
Hauwau Muazu Magarya who was a wife to the father of the Speaker told news men that, “she heard one of the bandits saying her husband has died”.
“When I heard him saying my husband is dead, I was shocked, but I submitted everything to Almighty God and I told my people that we were kidnapped together, but they ignored my information,” she added.
On August 5, 2021, Bandits in their hundreds stormed Magarya town in Zurmi emirate council of Zamfara, and kidnapped many people including the father of the Speaker now late.
Efforts to talk to the Speaker failed as his phone lines could not be reached.
Meanwhile, the Zamfara State Police Command said it arrested 21 bandits and neutralised five others in the operation leading to the victims’ rescue.
Speaking to newsmen in Gusau, the Commissioner of Police, Ayuba Elkana, said, “Eight weeks ago, bandits abducted some people in the Speakers’ hometown, and I am happy to tell you that five of them have been rescued today.
“Since the implementation of the new security measures by the state governor, Bello Matawalle, one month ago, the police and other security agencies have carried out assaults on identified bandits’ locations to ensure that the state is completely rid of activities of recalcitrant bandits and other criminal elements.”
According to the police boss, attacks and abductions have drastically reduced in the state as a result of the commitment and sacrifices of the police and other security agencies.
A new video has emerged showing two men reportedly kidnapped by Boko Haram insurgents in Borno State, pleading for assistance to secure their release.
One of the captives, former Biu Local Government Area Chairman Hassan Biu Miringa, revealed that their abductors are demanding a $300,000 ransom.
Miringa said he and another individual were taken in December 2025 and have remained in the custody of the militants.
In the video shared by Zagazola Makama, Miringa introduced himself, saying: “I am Hassan Biu Miringa, former Chairman of Biu Local Government from 2020 to 2022. Four years after my tenure, we were kidnapped by the soldiers of Khilafa about two weeks ago. Alhamdulillah, we are still alive, but we urgently need help to save our lives.”
He added that negotiations with the kidnappers had been underway, with some preliminary agreements reportedly reached.
“We have engaged them on four separate occasions and reached an understanding. We appeal to our leaders, especially Borno State Deputy Governor Alhaji Usman Umar Kadafur, the National Assembly representative for Biu, Kwaya, and Shani Hon. Betera Aliyu, as well as our community leaders, to temper justice with mercy and assist us. We are their children and have been working together,” Miringa said.
He confirmed the ransom demand, explaining that each captive is expected to pay $150,000, totaling $300,000 for their freedom, and pleaded for urgent intervention to reunite with their families.
The video highlights ongoing concerns over kidnappings and insecurity in southern Borno State, which have persisted despite government efforts to curb insurgent activity in the region.
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Nyesom Wike, on Saturday visited Port Harcourt City Local Government as part of his “thank you” visit across Rivers State.
Upon his arrival, a group of women displayed a symbolic gesture of loyalty by spreading their wrappers on the ground for his motorcade.
The women and supporters of the Minister were in a jubilant mode as Wike drove on the wrappers.
Wike has been going around local governments in the state to appreciate them for their support while reeling out moves ahead of the 2027 general elections.
In the course of his visits, the Minister had fired several salvos at political actors in the state, warning that their sudden support for President Bola Tinubu won’t secure them any ticket in 2027.
Wike also renewed rivalry with Governor Sim Fubara over the leadership control of the political space in the state.
The Rivers State House of Assembly has officially reaffirmed that the impeachment proceedings against Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Prof. Ngozi Odu, are ongoing and have not been suspended.
The Assembly said the process is still ongoing and is being conducted strictly in line with constitutional provisions.
This was contained in a statement issued on Friday by the Chairman of the House Committee on Information, Petitions and Complaints, Hon. Enemi George.
According to the statement, the impeachment process, which began on Thursday, January 8, 2026, remains on course in line with the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended).
The lawmakers disclosed that separate notices of allegations bordering on gross misconduct have been served on both the governor and his deputy in line with Section 188 of the Constitution.
“The notices of allegations of gross misconduct against the Governor and the Deputy Governor have been duly forwarded to them by the Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Martins Amaewhule, and the House is awaiting their responses,” the statement said.
The Assembly maintained that it is constitutionally obligated to act in the interest of the rule of law and ensure that no public office holder acts outside legal boundaries.
Reacting to reports suggesting that the impeachment move had been halted, the House accused some individuals and media outlets of deliberately spreading misinformation to mislead the public and stir tension between the legislature and Rivers residents.
The lawmakers described such reports as false and insisted they would not succumb to intimidation, threats, or blackmail.
“We are aware of renewed attempts by certain persons and media platforms to misinform the public by claiming that the impeachment process has been discontinued. The public should disregard such falsehoods, as the process remains active,” the statement added.
The Assembly reaffirmed its commitment to democratic principles and constitutional responsibilities, stressing that it would not be distracted by what it termed “cheap propaganda.”
It also appreciated the people of Rivers State for their support and prayers amid the ongoing political developments and extended goodwill to Nigerians committed to the nation’s democratic journey.
JomogNews reports that during Thursday’s plenary session, presided over by the Speaker, the Majority Leader, Major Jack, formally read the notice of allegations of gross misconduct against Governor Fubara on the floor of the House.
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