Abducted Kaduna Family Begs For Help as Bandits Demand N300m Ransom

A video has surfaced, showing an abducted man, Ahmed Abubakar Zakka, holding his six-month-old baby while a gunman in the background threatens them with a firearm. Zakka, his wife, and infant daughter were abducted by bandits in Millennium City, Kaduna State. In the 40-second video, Zakka, speaking in Hausa, identifies himself and appeals to Nigerians for assistance.

He mentions his captors are demanding a hefty N300 million ransom for their release. Zakka was abducted alongside his wife and daughter on October 6, 2026, when bandits attacked Alrahus Estate in Millennium City. The attackers entered the estate at around 11:30 pm and moved house to house in search of victims. Zakka's wife, Abdulladir Bello, had alerted the police and military about the attempted intrusion.

The family's abduction has reignited concerns over frequent attacks and kidnappings in Millennium City and nearby areas. Just five days prior, another man, Sikiru, was killed and his wife and son abducted by bandits, with the family still held captive and demanding a significant ransom. Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar expressed concern over the video, calling on security forces to swiftly rescue Zakka, his wife, their baby, and other Nigerians still held captive.

Atiku emphasized that the incident further highlights the hardship faced by Nigerians due to the rising cost of living, and urges the government to take sustained action to rescue those in captivity, protect vulnerable communities, and dismantle criminal networks.