Kaduna Bandits Threaten Lives of 32 Abducted Villagers Over ₦30 Million Ransom

Communities in Kagarko LGA face intensified insecurity as abducted residents include women, children, and a heavily pregnant woman.

Residents of Kutaho and Kugir communities in Kaduna State have raised alarm over the ongoing captivity of 32 villagers kidnapped more than a month ago, with bandits demanding ₦30 million and four motorcycles for their release.

The abductions occurred during a midnight raid on February 9, 2026, when armed attackers stormed the farming communities, firing gunshots and forcing residents from their homes before whisking away dozens to an unknown location.

Victims include vulnerable community members

According to locals, the kidnapped individuals include women, children, and a heavily pregnant woman. Elisha Musa, a resident, recounted the terrifying night:

“We were asleep when gunshots erupted everywhere. The bandits invaded the community and abducted many people to an unknown destination.”

Residents revealed that despite selling properties and farm produce to meet the ransom demand, the kidnappers are threatening to start killing the captives if the community fails to raise the full amount.

Fear and displacement grip communities

Kutaho youth leader, Adams Solomon, noted that many residents have fled their homes, fearing further attacks. He called on government authorities to intervene, emphasizing that a rescue operation would allow displaced families to return safely.

David Amana, another resident, highlighted that poor infrastructure and lack of telecommunications coverage have hampered communication with security agencies during attacks, making negotiations with the bandits extremely difficult.

Insecurity cripples local economy

Religious leaders in the area say recurring attacks have devastated agriculture, the mainstay of the communities.

Rev. John Maiaper, CAN chairman for Aribi Ward and pastor in Kutaho, said that the once-thriving ginger farming community now mainly cultivates maize, groundnut, and millet due to insecurity.

Similarly, Pastor Bello Danasabe of the Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA) lamented that the economic situation of residents has worsened, stressing that insecurity directly affects livelihoods.

As of reporting, neither the Kaduna State Police Command nor the state government has issued comments on the incident.