Katsina Couple’s Kidnappers Demand ₦600m Ransom Amid Rising Insecurity

Kidnappers in Katsina State demand ₦600m ransom for abducted couple and daughter. Governor Radda cuts short medical leave to tackle renewed banditry.

Kidnappers Demand ₦600 Million for Katsina Couple

In another worrying case of insecurity in northern Nigeria, gunmen abducted a couple and their young daughter at Filin Canada Quarters in Sabuwar Unguwa, Katsina metropolis. The armed men, who struck on Tuesday morning, have reportedly contacted the victims’ relatives and demanded a staggering ₦600 million ransom.

A family source revealed that the kidnappers used the husband’s phone to reach out to his wife’s uncle, Malam Ibrahim, to communicate their demands. However, the family stressed that they cannot afford the outrageous sum being requested.

Victims of the Abduction

Anas Ahmadu (33 years old)
Halimat (wife of Anas)
Jidda (their daughter)

Tragically, a 25-year-old vigilante, Abdullahi Muhammad, lost his life while attempting to rescue the family during the attack. Witnesses confirmed that the attackers fled before security operatives could arrive at the scene.

For updates on Nigeria’s security challenges and reports on kidnappings across the country, you can also check Daily Trust’s coverage on insecurity.

Governor Radda Cuts Short Medical Leave

Amid growing banditry in the state, Governor Dikko Umar Radda cut short his three-week foreign medical leave to address the worsening insecurity. On returning to Nigeria, he immediately visited Gidan Mantau community in Malumfashi Local Government Area, where more than 30 villagers were killed during a mosque attack on August 19.

The governor was joined by top government officials, heads of security agencies, and emergency response teams. According to reports, the assailants attacked worshippers during morning prayers, leaving behind burned houses and dozens of orphans.

Renewed Bandit Attacks in Katsina State

The attacks were reportedly a reprisal after locals ambushed and killed several terrorists, seizing their weapons and motorcycles. Governor Radda confirmed that:

32 people were killed (20 inside the mosque and 12 outside).
20 houses were burned.
76 villagers were kidnapped but later freed after a Nigerian Air Force intervention.

This wave of violence highlights the persistent challenges facing rural communities in Katsina and other parts of northern Nigeria.

For background on Nigeria’s broader security challenges, visit Premium Times Nigeria.

Government’s Response and Support

During his condolence visit, Governor Radda announced several measures aimed at both immediate relief and long-term development:

₦500,000 financial support for each affected household.
Deployment of a military battalion to Malumfashi LGA.
Renovation of destroyed homes and infrastructure.
Construction of a modern school and hospital.
A complete renovation of the attacked mosque.
Improved road access to allow faster security response.

The governor also directed traditional leaders to collaborate with the LGA chairman in mobilizing and training local youths for community defense.

Governor Radda’s Strong Message on Security

Governor Radda reiterated his stance that security should never be politicized. He cautioned those exploiting the crisis for political gain and emphasized that saving human lives must remain the top priority.

“Human life is sacred; it is not a game. Security is about saving lives, not politics. Whoever stands in the way of peace, we will confront them, and In Sha Allah, we will succeed,” he said.

The governor also urged communities to help security agencies by identifying collaborators who provide intelligence or supplies to bandits.

The ₦600 million ransom demand in Katsina State underscores Nigeria’s worsening kidnapping crisis. Governor Radda’s swift return and promises of both security reinforcements and community support may bring some relief, but lasting peace will depend on collaboration between government, security forces, and local communities.