Suspected bandits who abducted a couple and their infant child in Kaduna State have released a video of the family in captivity and demanded N300m for their release.
The victims, identified as Ahmed Abubakar Zakka, his wife and their baby, were abducted from their home in New Millennium City, Chikun Local Government Area, along the Kaduna-Zaria road, late last week.
In the footage circulating on social media, the family members are seen sitting on the floor at an undisclosed forest location, surrounded by armed men.
One of the abductors, speaking in Hausa, reportedly ordered the victims to appeal to the government and well-wishers to raise the ransom, warning of consequences if the demand was not met.
Family sources reportedly confirmed the authenticity of the video, adding that the kidnappers had contacted them by phone before releasing the footage to reinforce their demand.
Residents said the gunmen stormed the estate at night, firing shots to scare residents before breaking into the family’s home and taking the three victims away.
The incident has heightened fear among residents, who expressed concern about the security situation in the estate despite its proximity to Kaduna city centre.
Relatives of the victims have appealed to the Federal and Kaduna State governments, security agencies and members of the public to intervene and help secure the family’s safe release.
As of the time of filing this report, the Kaduna State Police Command had yet to issue an official statement on the abduction or the ransom demand.
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