Eight of the eleven residents seized from Awon village in [Kachi Local Government Area](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kachia) of [Kaduna State](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kaduna_State) have died after roughly six months of captivity, including a mother, her newborn baby and two daughters, journalist Reuben Buhari reported on 22 October 2026.
**Key facts**
- The raid occurred on 20 April 2026, when bandits stormed the village and abducted 11 people.
- Initial ransom demands were N300 million and 23 motorcycles; the community offered only a few million naira, which was rejected.
- One victim later managed to escape, reducing the number of hostages to ten.
- As of 22 October, only two captives are still alive after 185 days in the kidnappers' camp.
**What were the original ransom demands?**
The kidnappers first asked for N300 million together with 23 motorcycles, threatening to withhold food until the sum was paid. After negotiations stalled, they later lowered the ask to N9 million and four motorcycles for the remaining survivors.
**Who confirmed the latest deaths?**
Reuben Buhari, a journalist covering the incident, posted on Facebook that Joy Samuel, who died on 28 August after giving birth in the camp, her newborn, her 14‑year‑old daughter, and her 3‑year‑old daughter Silvia have all passed away. He also noted that Yusuf Bawa, 34, and his five‑year‑old son succumbed to illness and severe hunger.
**What is the condition of the remaining captives?**
The two survivors are reported to be in extremely poor health, suffering from starvation and disease. Their captors have acknowledged the dire state of the hostages but have not indicated any imminent release.
**Who leads the bandits responsible for the abduction?**
The operation is reportedly overseen by a bandit kingpin known as “Yellow One Million,” who controls kidnapping activities and camps across Kachia and parts of Kajuru. According to a recent female escapee, the leader personally confirmed that the deceased victims have been “unalived.”
The tragedy highlights the ongoing security challenges in northern Nigeria, where banditry and kidnapping for ransom continue to threaten rural communities. Authorities have yet to secure the release of the remaining captives or bring the perpetrators to justice.