Armed bandits in Zamfara State have reportedly killed Hon. Mu’azu Zannan Gwashi, a prominent political leader, after holding him in captivity for months despite collecting part of a negotiated ransom.
Gwashi was kidnapped on July 22, 2025, the same day gunmen ambushed the vehicle of the Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Bukkuyum Local Government Area, Hon. Muhammad Sala Wuta.
The attack occurred along the Manyaci–Bukkuyum road when the assailants opened fire on Wuta’s convoy. The PDP chairman was shot in the hand and leg, while three others, including Hon. Gwashi, were abducted.
Sources told SaharaReporters that the bandits initially demanded a ransom of ₦30 million for Gwashi’s release, stating it would take up to five months to secure his freedom. The amount was later negotiated down to ₦15 million.
Despite receiving the agreed ₦15 million, the kidnappers reneged on the deal and insisted on the full initial demand.
“Months after Hon. Mu’azu Gwashi was abducted, kidnappers repeatedly shifted their ransom demands, first ₦30M, then ₦15M, then back to ₦30M even after collecting the first payment of ₦15M.
“Yesterday evening, his community confirms he has died in captivity. A tragic end to a long ordeal. How many more families must face this cycle of extortion and loss?” Katsina-based security analyst, Malam Bakatsine, wrote on 𝕏.
Gwashi’s death has sparked grief across Zamfara communities. A Facebook user, Mohammed Ni’imatullah, posted, “Innalillahi wa’inailaihim raji’un Allah yajikan Hon Mu’azu Muhammad Gwashi.”
Local news platform, Idon Mikiya (Eagle Eye), confirmed the incident in a statement posted on Wednesday, “After gunmen kidnapped Hon Mu’azu Gwashi, they said they will release him for 30 million. Afterwards, they asked for a discount and agreed to take 15 million.
“After collecting the 15 million, they said they won’t release him unless the remaining 15 million was paid. Finally, today we received the sad news that he died. May Allah have mercy on his soul.”
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