Bandits have reportedly killed an abducted National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member, Musa Usman Abba, despite payment of N10 million ransom for his release.

Recall that Abba, a graduate of Federal University Gusau, Zamfara State, where he studied Plant Science and Biotechnology, was abducted on January 9, 2026, while travelling from Gusau to Sokoto State.

The abductors later contacted the family, demanding N10 million for his release.

However, as the family struggled to raise the money, the criminals released a video torturing the NYSC members and threatened to kill him

In the video, Abba, who was visibly in agony, appealed to family, friends, and relatives to come to his aid and deliver the ransom.

“Please help me, for God’s sake, please help my life. I may soon die in this situation,” he cried, gasping between blows.

He invoked religious appeals in an attempt to reach whatever humanity remained in his captors. “For the sake of Allah, please help me. For the sake of Prophet Muhammad, please help me,” he implored repeatedly. His pleas went unanswered.

The family later raised the N10 million ransom with the help of relatives and other well-meaning Nigerians.

However, in a fresh update from the family on Thursday, the family disclosed that communication with the abductors stopped completely after the ransom was paid, raising fears that the corps member may have been killed.

According to the family sources, the abductors had earlier demanded additional items, including motorcycles, after receiving the initial payment.

However, the family said it had decided not to meet any further demands following the sudden halt in communication from the kidnappers.

“Since receiving the N10 million ransom payment, Abba’s abductors have completely cut off all communication with the family,” said the sources.

It added that, in view of the development, the family had concluded arrangements to observe his funeral prayer in absentia in accordance with Islamic rites.

“Abba’s family are preparing to hold his Janaza prayer (Gha’ib) on Friday, March 6, in accordance with Islamic rules,” the family added.

The family also expressed appreciation to individuals and groups who supported them during the ordeal.

“Abba’s family wishes to express profound gratitude to everyone who offered support, prayers, donations and kind words during this difficult period.

“May the Almighty reward your generosity abundantly,” they said.

They added that the family continued to pray that if the corps member was still alive, he would regain his freedom soon.

“If he has passed on, may Allah forgive his shortcomings, accept his good deeds and grant him Al-Jannah Firdaus,” the family member said.

Meanwhile, the police authourities in the state are yet to react to the development as of press time.

The Anambra State Government says it has recovered a substantial number of oil wells belonging to the state that were previously attributed to Delta State.

The Managing Director of the Anambra State Solid Mineral Development Company and Chairman of Anambra State Petroleum Energy Resources Limited, Professor Charles Ofoegbu, disclosed this in Awka during a media chat with reporters.

Anambra was fully approved as one of Nigeria’s oil-producing states in 2025 with an initial output of 3,000 barrels per day.

However, some oil wells belonging to the state, particularly around the Anambra River Basin, have been subject to boundary disputes with neighbouring Delta State.

Ofoegbu revealed that once the report of a verification exercise conducted by the Revenue Mobilisation Commission on the oil wells is approved, Anambra State will begin to receive additional revenue from the oil wells located on the Anambra maritime boundary with Delta State.

He said that the state government is working hand in hand with foreign investors to set up a modular refinery in Ossamala, Ogbaru Local Government Area.

“This modular refinery will produce petroleum and diesel to serve Anambra State and its neighbouring states, which will generate huge revenue for the state,” he said.

Ofoegbu maintained that the state government is working tirelessly to recover a substantial number of Anambra oil wells currently claimed by Imo, Delta, Rivers, and Enugu States due to boundary issues, which will, in turn, increase the state’s 13 per cent oil derivation from the Federal Government.

He revealed that his agency is currently opening a kaolin mining site at Ukpor in Nnewi South Local Government Area, which will also generate significant revenue for the state.

He further said the state government is working towards establishing a processing plant for bentonite at Achalagu, Nteje, while the raw materials are found in Umuchu and Ufuma, noting that bentonite, which is used in the oil industry, will also generate additional revenue for the state.