Terrorists killed Abubakar Gari and abducted his wives during a late-night attack on his home in Dukku, Rijau LGA, Niger State.
The attackers struck around midnight on Friday, February 20, 2026.
They stormed Gari’s residence in the quiet rural community, shot him dead immediately, and seized his wives before vanishing into the darkness.
Deliberately, the terrorists left behind Gari’s breastfeeding infant, who now depends on others for care, apparently to intensify pressure on the family.
Relatives buried Gari on Saturday, February 21, according to Islamic tradition.
Soon afterward, the terrorists reached out to the devastated family.
They demanded ₦50 million for the women’s release, heightening the anguish of an already shattered household.
Niger State Police spokesperson Wasiu Abiodun quickly confirmed the brutal incident.
He stated that authorities received reports of the killing and abduction, rushed to the scene, and launched active search-and-rescue operations.
While police initially reported no knowledge of a ransom at the time of their first statement, community sources later verified the ₦50 million demand.
This savage assault underscores the growing terror that plagues rural Niger State and surrounding north-central areas.
Criminal groups frequently target vulnerable families in remote villages, killing resisters and abducting others for extortion.
Such incidents leave communities in constant fear, disrupt livelihoods, and force impossible choices on grieving relatives.
Security forces continue intensive efforts to track the perpetrators and secure the captives’ freedom.
Meanwhile, residents call for urgent reinforcements to shield defenseless households from future midnight horrors.
