A couple abducted with their six-month-old daughter in Kaduna State have appealed for help to regain their freedom, as their captors reportedly demand ₦300m for their release.
Ahmed Abubakar Zakka, his wife and their infant daughter, Fatima, were kidnapped on October 6 when armed men invaded their home in Alrahus Estate, Millennium City, in the Chikun Local Government Area of the state.
A video of the family in captivity has since emerged online, showing Zakka carrying his crying baby while an armed man pointed a gun at him.
His wife was also seen sitting beside him as he pleaded for assistance in Hausa, revealing the ransom demand.
The attackers reportedly stormed the estate at about 11:30pm and forced their way into several homes, taking residents away. A pregnant woman was also among those reportedly abducted during the raid.
A relative of Zakka said the couple had spent six years in marriage without a child before welcoming their daughter six months ago.
He appealed to security agencies to intensify efforts to secure their safe return.
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar condemned the incident and called on security agencies to urgently rescue the family and other Nigerians being held captive.
He said the ordeal highlighted the growing threat kidnapping posed to families and urged the government to take concrete steps to protect vulnerable communities.
Amnesty International Nigeria also warned of worsening insecurity in Millennium City, where repeated attacks and abductions have left residents living in fear.
The organisation said some families were leaving the area, while others were organising vigilante groups to defend their communities.
Meanwhile, the Kaduna State Police Command announced the arrest of 12 suspects during operations in Millennium City and Maraban Rido.
The suspects included eight alleged kidnappers and four suspected informants, while AK-47 rifles were recovered. The command said investigations were ongoing and additional personnel and armoured personnel carriers had been deployed to strengthen security in the affected areas.