Kidnapped Katsina businessman dies in bandits’ custody

A Katsina businessman, Balan Auwal, also known as Mai Gwanjo, has reportedly died while in the custody of bandits, weeks after he was abducted alongside his son.

Auwal was kidnapped on February 26, 2025, when gunmen stormed Malumfashi town in Katsina State and opened fire indiscriminately.

Despite a fierce gun battle with security operatives during the nighttime attack, the assailants managed to escape with Auwal and his son, Saifullahi.

Efforts were reportedly made to secure their release, but on Sunday, a security analyst known as Bakatsine confirmed Auwal’s death.

“SAD NEWS: Alhaji Balan Auwal Mai Gwanjo of Malumfashi LGA, Katsina State, has died in captivity after spending weeks in the hands of bandits.“His family received the heartbreaking news today, Sunday, via a call from his captors,” Bakatsine said.