On May 11, 2022, unknown gunmen, abducted Mr. Idris Haruna-Magami, a popular radio host with the state-owned, Zamfara Radio. Magami produces and presents the, “Su Duniya Manya” a popular programme aired in Hausa language. He was abducted along Gusau-Dansadau road while returning to his hometown.
The general manager of the station, Mr. Murtala Alhasan, said the presenter was abducted while on his way home after the close of work alongside a friend but his friend miraculously escaped from the bandits and returned home while Idris was taken away.
Murtala said the bandits reached out to the family and asked for ransom to secure his release. But he did not state the amount they demanded.
Although the police and state authorities did not make any statement concerning his abduction, the management of Zamfara State Radio Service confirmed the abduction.
Idris regained his freedom on May 16 after spending five days with his abductors. He did not disclose the amount collected as ransom to free him, but said he was treated kindly during the period he stayed in the bandits’ camp. He also said his abductors did not torture him, but treated him kindly as their brother.
