A Kaduna couple kidnapped alongside their six-month-old daughter have appealed to security agencies and the government to secure their freedom after their abductors allegedly demanded a ₦300m ransom.
The victims, identified as Ahmed Abubakar Zakka, his wife and their infant daughter, Fatima, were abducted when armed men invaded their residence in Alrahus Estate, Millennium City, Chikun Local Government Area of Kaduna State, on October 6.
In a 40-second video circulating online, Zakka was seen carrying the crying infant while his wife sat beside him as an armed kidnapper pointed a gun at him.
Speaking in Hausa, he appealed for help, saying the kidnappers were demanding ₦300m for their release.
The attack reportedly occurred around 11:30pm, when the gunmen allegedly moved from house to house in the estate, breaking into homes and abducting residents. A pregnant woman was also reportedly taken during the raid.
A family member of Zakka said the couple had endured six years of marriage without a child before welcoming Fatima six months ago.
He described the situation as distressing and appealed to the authorities to ensure the family returned home safely.
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar condemned the abduction and urged security agencies to act swiftly to rescue the couple, their baby and other Nigerians in captivity.
He described the video as a disturbing reminder of the insecurity confronting families across the country.
Meanwhile, Amnesty International Nigeria warned that residents of Millennium City were living in fear amid recurring attacks and kidnappings.
The organisation said some residents were fleeing their homes, while others had resorted to community vigilante groups for protection.
In a related development, the Kaduna State Police Command announced the arrest of 12 suspects, comprising eight alleged kidnappers and four suspected informants, during security operations in Millennium City and Maraban Rido.
The police also reported recovering AK-47 rifles and said investigations were ongoing, while additional armoured personnel carriers and tactical officers had been deployed to strengthen security in the affected communities.
