How Bandits Demand ₦300m Ransom for Abducted Kaduna Couple, Baby in Viral Video

How Bandits Demand ₦300m Ransom for Abducted Kaduna Couple, Baby in Viral Video

Armed bandits have released a video showing an abducted couple and their infant daughter in captivity in Kaduna State, with the kidnappers demanding ₦300 million for the family’s release.

The video, which circulated on social media on Monday, October 12, shows the father, identified in reports as Ahmed Abubakar Zakka, appealing to Nigerians to help secure the freedom of himself, his wife and their baby.

The family was reportedly abducted when armed men invaded Alrahus Estate in Millennium City, Chikun Local Government Area of Kaduna State, late at night.

In the footage, Zakka is seen holding his infant daughter while his wife sits beside him. An armed man, whose face was concealed, points a rifle at him and threatens to shoot him.

Speaking in Hausa, the captive father appeals for assistance, saying the kidnappers are demanding ₦300 million, an amount he says he cannot raise.

His wife is also heard pleading for help as the family remains in the hands of their abductors.

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Reports of the incident indicate that the attack affected other residents of the estate, with a pregnant woman reportedly among those abducted during the same raid.

The gunmen were said to have moved through residential buildings, forcing their way into homes and taking occupants away.

The abduction has heightened concerns over the safety of residents of Millennium City and surrounding communities, where reports of armed attacks and kidnappings have continued to generate anxiety.

Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has called on security agencies to act swiftly to secure the release of Zakka, his wife, their infant daughter and other Nigerians being held captive.

Atiku described the video as a painful reminder of the insecurity confronting families across the country. He urged the authorities to move beyond assurances and take effective measures to rescue abducted persons, protect vulnerable communities and bring those responsible for the crimes to justice.

Mohammed Bello El-Rufai, the lawmaker representing Kaduna North Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, also expressed concern over recurring kidnappings in Millennium City, particularly around the Dan Bushiya area.

He called on the Kaduna State Government, the police and other security agencies to intensify operations, improve intelligence gathering and ensure the immediate rescue of the victims.

As of the time of reporting, the Kaduna State Police Command had not publicly provided a substantive update on the family’s rescue.

The command’s spokesperson, Mansir Hassam, reportedly said he would respond to enquiries about the incident, but no further response had been received by the time the report was filed.

The family’s condition and the status of any rescue operation remained unclear in the reports available.

The incident has renewed calls for stronger security measures in residential communities and urgent intervention to secure the safe return of the abducted family.

How Bandits Demand ₦300m Ransom for Abducted Kaduna Couple, Baby in Viral Video