A widow identified as Mama Mary has reportedly been killed by bandits in Kaduna State after her family failed to raise the N10 million demanded for her release.
Security analyst and former government aide Reuben Buhari disclosed the incident in a social media post.
According to Buhari, Mama Mary originally lived in Ariko village. She later moved to Kateri because increasing insecurity made it difficult for her family to remain there.
On June 15, 2026, she reportedly spoke during a protest about the suffering of people displaced by violence in Kateri.
Thirteen days later, Mama Mary travelled towards Ariko and was allegedly kidnapped on the road with three other people.
The kidnappers reportedly demanded N10 million for her release. However, her family managed to raise only N2 million.
Buhari alleged that the kidnappers killed her on August 15 after the family could not provide the full amount.
Her body was reportedly left at the location where she died.
Mama Mary left behind four children. Buhari appealed to members of the public to remember them during this difficult period.
“She leaves behind four children. Pray for them,” he wrote.
The case has renewed concerns about kidnapping, ransom demands and attacks on vulnerable communities in Kaduna State.
