Armed bandits have released a video showing an abducted couple and their baby daughter in captivity in Kaduna State, demanding a ransom of ₦300 million for their release.
The footage, which has circulated online, shows the family appealing for help as an armed captor reportedly points a rifle at the head of the husband, identified in media reports as Ahmad Abubakar Zakka.
The incident has renewed concerns about kidnapping for ransom and the safety of residents in communities around Kaduna metropolis.
Couple, Baby Abducted in Millennium City
According to reports, the family was abducted from Alrahus Estate in Millennium City, Chikun Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
The attackers reportedly invaded the residential area at night before taking the victims away.
Reports published by different news outlets have given slightly different dates for the abduction, placing it around October 5 or 6, 2026. The precise date has not been independently confirmed.
The husband, Zakka, was seen in the circulating video appealing to members of the public to help secure his family’s freedom.
His wife sat beside him while their baby remained with him during the recording.
Kidnappers Demand ₦300 Million
In the footage, Zakka reportedly appealed for assistance, disclosing that his captors were demanding ₦300 million as ransom for the family’s release.
The video also showed an armed man pointing a rifle at him while threatening him.
The husband’s right hand appeared swollen, while his movements seemed restricted. The condition of the victims and the circumstances surrounding the apparent injuries have not been independently verified.
The footage has raised concerns about the welfare of the couple and their child, particularly given the threats reportedly made by their captors.
Another Woman Reportedly Abducted During the Attack
Reports on the incident also indicated that a pregnant woman was abducted during the attack on the estate.
Her husband, identified in a separate report as Abdulkadir Bello, reportedly said he was away in Abuja when the assailants invaded their residence.
According to the account, his wife contacted him during the incident to report that people were attempting to force their way into the compound.
He reportedly tried to reach the police and subsequently contacted the military for assistance. However, the attackers allegedly abducted his wife.
The circumstances surrounding her abduction and her whereabouts require further confirmation from security authorities and the affected family.
Kaduna’s Kidnapping Challenge
The incident highlights continuing concerns about armed abductions and ransom demands in parts of northern Nigeria.
Kidnapping for ransom has placed considerable pressure on affected families, many of whom struggle to meet demands running into millions of naira while trying to secure the safe return of their loved ones.
Beyond the financial burden, such incidents can leave victims and their relatives facing severe emotional distress and uncertainty.
Security agencies face the challenge of preventing attacks on residential communities, improving intelligence gathering and rescuing abducted persons without putting their lives at further risk.
The release of a captivity video can also intensify pressure on relatives and authorities, particularly when kidnappers issue threats against their victims.
Calls for Urgent Intervention
The reported ₦300 million ransom demand has heightened concerns about the family’s safety. Their release remains the immediate priority.
Security agencies and relevant authorities are expected to establish the full circumstances of the abduction and pursue efforts to secure the victims’ freedom.
Residents are also encouraged to report credible security information through appropriate official channels and avoid circulating unverified claims about the victims or the rescue operation.
As of the time of this report, the safe release of the couple and their baby had not been confirmed in the reports reviewed for this article.
Akahi News will continue to monitor developments and provide updates as reliable information becomes available.
By Joseph Iyaji | Akahi News
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