It was a sad and pathetic story to hear as a Zaria man, Alhaji Shuaibu Waalamu narrated with pains and emotion how his 8-year-old daughter was kidnapped and killed after he sourced and paid N3 million ransom to the kidnappers.
Wa’alamu said his late daughter by name Asmau, was kidnapped on December 9, 2021 and when unlike previous days, she failed to return home.
He said that he had no option than to quickly go to the police station and lodged a formal complaint.
According to Wa’alamu; “After some days, the abductors started to call my number and first demanded for N15million but, I negotiated with them and gave them N2m which they collected at Rigasa area of Kaduna.
“But later, they called me again and demanded for another N1. 045m as the only condition for them to release my daughter. I did not argue and I went ahead and sourced the money and gave to them.
“However, after paying the ransom as demanded by them on the 19th of January, they called to tell me that they killed her and switched off the phone,” he narrated.
Wa’alamu continued; “From the initial stage, I was following her kidnappers and doing their bidding because of the fear of losing her but they still went ahead and killed her.
“I know those who kidnapped her and killed her. They are around us. I have strong evidence and I told the police and they are on it. In fact, the suspects have been arrested,” he said.
This development took place few hours after Nigerians from all walks of life in unison condemned the brutal killing of five-year old Hanifa in Kano by the proprietor of her school.
The unfortunate Kano incident as expected triggered the same emotions and sympathy in the people of Zaria, Kaduna state that were immediately thrown into confusion as the story of the kidnap and eventual murder of Asma’u filtered into the news space.
The innocent Asma’u, according to some members of the community, was in captivity for over a month before her untimely death.
For now, accusing fingers are being pointed at one Kabir, believed to be a neighbour to Alhaji Shuaibu Wa’alamu, the father of late Asmau, who is already in police net.
A post by one Musa Ahmed shared on Instagram gave indication that the young Asma’u was abducted on her way to buy a recharge card.
The post further claimed that a ransom of N3 million was demanded and paid by the family but later, the girl was killed by her abductor.
It is being speculated that the late Asma’u must had recognized the kidnapper who is suspected to be residing close to their house and who played with his kids most of the times.
It was gathered that the suspect and his family have been arrested and currently helping the police in investigation.
