‘Kill them if you like’ — Zamfara gov reveals he rejected N300m ransom for kidnapped brothers

Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal has disclosed that he refused to pay a N300 million ransom demanded by kidnappers who abducted his brothers in 2019, insisting that giving in to such demands only fuels more abductions across the country.

Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal has revealed that when kidnappers abducted his own brothers in 2019 and demanded N300 million for their release, he refused to pay, telling the gunmen to do their worst.

Speaking Thursday at the ARISE News and THISDAY Townhall Conference in Abuja, as reported by Daily Trust, Lawal said his stance was rooted in a firm belief that paying ransom only emboldens criminals and worsens Nigeria’s kidnapping crisis.

Recounting the ordeal, the governor said he flatly rejected the kidnappers’ N300 million demand, telling them he would not part with “a dime” and that they could do as they pleased with his brothers.

Despite the standoff, his brothers were eventually freed after roughly three months in captivity — without a naira changing hands, according to Lawal.

The governor argued that continued ransom payments across the country are directly responsible for the surge in abductions, saying criminals only escalate the practice when it keeps paying off.

He suggested that cutting off the flow of money to kidnap gangs — whether from families or governments — would strip the crime of its incentive and ultimately discourage it.

Lawal insisted his position has not wavered since 2019, restating flatly that he will not negotiate with or reward kidnappers under any circumstances.

Beyond the ransom disclosure, the governor used the platform to renew his push for the creation of state police, framing it as a critical piece of the fight against Nigeria’s worsening insecurity.

The townhall, organised by ARISE News and THISDAY, brought together stakeholders to discuss security and governance challenges facing the country, with Lawal’s remarks forming a key part of the day’s proceedings.