A seven-year-old boy, Abdullahi Rabi’u, has been found dead in Jos, Plateau State, hours after suspected kidnappers allegedly demanded ₦2.5 million for his release.
The incident occurred in the Majema area along Ring Road in Jos North Local Government Area, leaving the boy’s family and residents in mourning.
The victim’s uncle, Sukairaj Danladi Gado, said Abdullahi was sent on an errand to a neighbour’s house on Monday evening but did not return home.
According to Gado, the family became worried when the child failed to return after delivering the message. Their efforts to locate him were unsuccessful.
Suspected Kidnappers Demand ₦2.5m Ransom
Gado said the family received a phone call from an unidentified number on Tuesday morning. The caller allegedly claimed the boy had been kidnapped and demanded ₦2.5 million as ransom.
The family agreed to pay the money, hoping to secure the child’s safe return.
However, their hopes were shattered when they received news that Abdullahi had been found dead.
His uncle said the boy’s body was reportedly discovered on Tuesday evening in a narrow passage close to the family’s residence.
The discovery has left relatives devastated and residents of the neighbourhood deeply concerned.
Family Calls for Investigation
Gado expressed concern over the circumstances surrounding the incident, saying the suspected perpetrators might be familiar with the area.
He appealed to security agencies to investigate the killing, identify those responsible and bring them to justice.
The family also urged authorities to establish what happened to Abdullahi and prevent similar tragedies from affecting other households.
Efforts to obtain comments from security operatives were unsuccessful as of the time of reporting.
The circumstances surrounding the boy’s death and the identities of those allegedly involved remain subject to investigation.