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| Katsina Couple and Daughter Still in Kidnappers’ Captivity After 8 Days |
A Katsina couple, their pregnant wife, and two-year-old daughter remain in captivity eight days after abduction, as kidnappers reduce ransom demand to ₦100 million.
Katsina Family Abduction Enters Eighth Day
Eight days after their abduction, a Katsina businessman, Anas Ahmadu, his seven-month pregnant wife, Halimatu, and their two-year-old daughter remain in captivity.
The kidnapping occurred on August 26, 2025, when gunmen invaded their residence at Filin Canada Quarters in Katsina metropolis, killing a vigilante member, Abdullahi Muhammad, who had responded to the distress call.
Police Response to the Katsina Kidnapping
The Katsina State Police Command, through its spokesman DSP Abubakar Sadiq, confirmed the incident on Tuesday. He stated that Commissioner of Police Bello Shehu visited the crime scene and deployed additional resources for the rescue mission.
Despite these efforts, the victims are still being held by the abductors. Initially, the kidnappers demanded a ransom of ₦600 million, but later reduced it to ₦100 million.
You can follow official updates from the Nigerian Police Force on similar security issues across the country.
Family Appeals for Government Intervention
Family members expressed deep concern over the prolonged captivity:
- “We are praying to Allah (SWT) to soften their hearts. Where can we possibly raise such an amount?” a relative lamented.
- Anas’ mother, Hajiya Zainab, said: “I cannot eat or sleep since the incident. I pray God sets them free.”
- His father appealed directly to Governor Dikko Radda and security agencies for urgent intervention, noting the emotional toll on parents.
Possible Target of the Kidnappers
Reports suggest the attackers may have been targeting Alhaji Usman Turare, a well-known petroleum marketer in Katsina and father of the abducted woman.
A source close to the family explained:
“Her husband is a young businessman, but I don’t think he was the target. They probably came for her father, who is wealthy.”
The kidnappers reportedly contacted the wife’s uncle on Monday night, though it is unclear whether a fresh ransom demand was made.
Kidnapping Crisis in Northern Nigeria
The incident highlights the worsening trend of kidnapping for ransom in Northern Nigeria, where families are forced to negotiate with abductors under severe emotional and financial strain.
Security analysts argue that stronger intelligence, community policing, and joint operations are necessary to combat this menace. For more context on the rising insecurity, see recent reports by Daily Trust on kidnapping cases across Nigeria.
The Katsina kidnapping case underscores the urgent need for coordinated security action to protect families from armed groups. With ransom demands now lowered to ₦100 million, the family continues to appeal for government intervention to secure the safe return of their loved ones.
Until concrete action is taken, incidents like this will continue to fuel insecurity and fear in Northern Nigeria, threatening lives and livelihoods.
