Kaduna: Bandits Refuse To Release 13 Kidnapped Victims After Collecting N40m Ransom

The Gidan Waya Yarkasuwa community in Lere local government area of Kaduna state has revealed that bandits declined to release 13 kidnapped residents after collecting N40m ransom.

Addressing a news conference in Kaduna on Monday over the kidnapped incident in Lere, the Chairman of Gidan Waya Community Elders Forum, Rabo Sabo Jantsauni, who sent a “Save Our Soul” message to Governor Uba Sani, begged the government to help rescue the victims.

He said 13 residents of the community were abducted last year November 11, and remained in captivity.

Jantsauni narrated that bandits stormed their village in November 2025, killing four people, injuring five others, and taking away 13 residents.

He identified those killed as Promise Korau, Hycent Timothy, Mato Shagori, and Markus Ishaya.

“Those currently receiving treatment in hospital are Kefas Iliya, 23; Philimon Daniel, 25; Ezra Samson, 27; and one unidentified person.”

Jantsauni disclosed that the 13 kidnapped victims were “Habibu Yahaya, 42; Love Markus, 38; Mummy Markus, 49; Catherine Shitu, 40; Ibrahim Bagobari, 46; John Ibrahim, 15; and Rev. Istifanus Dungu, 58.

Others are Christiana Dungu, 14; Prince Dungu, 13; Miss Dauda; Mrs. Rev. Danbala Inuwa, 38; Lois Markus, 25; and Yohanna Umar, 30”

According to him, the bandits later demanded ₦300 million as ransom, but the community could not raise the amount.

He explained that the community eventually sold about 3,000 bags of assorted grains to raise ₦40 million, which was delivered to the bandits.

Jantsauni lamented that despite paying the ransom, “it is now three weeks, and the bandits are yet to release the 13 kidnapped people. Worse still, they attacked the village again on January 7, 2026, and abducted two Fulani women.”

“The community wants to appeal to Governor Uba Sani to come to our rescue and ensure that our people regain their freedom. We do not know if His Excellency, Governor Uba Sani, or even our local government chairman is aware of what has happened to us. That is why we are appealing through the media,” he said.

While acknowledging the efforts of the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in Lere, who reportedly visited the community several times after the attack, Jantsauni appealed for urgent intervention from both the state and federal governments.

Efforts to reach the Kaduna State Police Command spokesperson, DSP Mansir Hassan, regarding the incident were unsuccessful.