Sokoto Family Struggles to Raise ₦30 Million Ransom for Eight Kidnapped Relatives

A family in Kuda-Kuda village, Goronyo Local Government Area of Sokoto State, is appealing for public support as they struggle to raise the ₦30 million ransom demanded by kidnappers holding eight of their relatives.

The victims were abducted during a deadly bandit attack on June 23, in which the village's Chief Imam, Liman Audu, and three other residents were killed. Several others sustained gunshot injuries.

According to family members, they pleaded with the kidnappers to reduce the ransom, offering between ₦2 million and ₦6 million, but the demand was rejected. The abductors reportedly threatened to kill the hostages before cutting off communication.

A relative who survived the attack said the gunmen, dressed in security uniforms, stormed the family compound at night, abducted several women and family members, killed residents, and rustled livestock before fleeing.

The eight abductees have been identified as Mallam Shehu na Barayar Zaki, Surajo (the late imam's son), Surajo's wife, Umma, Hawwau, Hadiza, Safina, Maryamu, and Hairatu.

The family said they lack the financial means to meet the ransom demand, noting that they are also struggling to pay medical bills for relatives injured during the attack. One of the abductees was due to get married this month, but the wedding has been postponed because of the kidnapping.

Residents of Kuda-Kuda village have started raising funds by collecting ₦5,000 from every household head and ₦2,000 from every married woman, but community leaders say the contributions are unlikely to reach ₦1 million, as many residents have fled following repeated bandit attacks.

The family has appealed to Nigerians and charitable organizations for financial assistance and prayers to help secure the safe release of the captives.

The spokesperson for the Sokoto State Police Command, DSP Ahmad Rufai, said many kidnapping cases are often not officially reported to the police.

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