Zarah Abubakar Shehu, a 21-year-old student in her third year at Federal University Gusau has passed away, She was kidnapped along with her two siblings by armed bandits early on Sunday, November 3, 2024, from their home in the Damba area of Gusau, Zamfara State.

The kidnappers initially asked for a ransom of ₦35 million for their release. After considerable effort, the family raised ₦10 million, which the kidnappers agreed to accept. However, even after receiving the money, they refused to free Zarah. Instead, they demanded four motorcycles (Boza) and four cartons of engine oil. Zarah and her siblings endured four months in captivity. Once all the requested items were finally collected, the kidnappers’ leader was notified. He instructed his men to check on the captives, and to everyone’s shock, they reported that only two children were left; Zarah had tragically passed away and had been buried two days prior. As the only daughter, her loss is particularly devastating for her mother. This tragedy not only affects her family but also highlights the ongoing insecurity in Zamfara State and the suffering experienced by many families.