Following the payment of a ransom exceeding N40 million, eleven individuals who were abducted from the Gidan Waya community in Lere Local Government Area of Kaduna State have been set free. The villagers had been held captive for over four months.
The kidnapping incident occurred on November 11, 2025, when armed assailants attacked the community, resulting in the deaths of four residents and the abduction of thirteen others, comprising five men and eight women.
Reports indicated that community elders had previously appealed to President Bola Tinubu and Governor Uba Sani for urgent intervention. They highlighted that despite having paid the N40 million demanded by the captors, the thirteen abducted villagers were not released.
Mallam Rabo Sambo, the Chairman of the Elders Forum, stated that members of the community had sold over 3,000 bags of maize to raise the initial N40 million ransom. However, the captives remained in the custody of the kidnappers weeks after the payment.
Dan Azumi Meshach, a community leader, confirmed the release of the victims on March 29, 2026. He sadly reported that two of the individuals died while in captivity.
According to Meshach, additional funds were raised through the collective efforts of churches, families, and the wider community to pay further ransom demands.
"We express our gratitude to God for the safe return of our people, though we mourn the loss of two brothers, Mallam Ibrahim Bagobari and Mr. Habib, who were executed by these cruel individuals," Meshach stated in a message.
He further explained, "While we awaited their release, the kidnappers initially demanded 40 million Naira. After this sum was paid, they refused to let the captives go, insisting on more money. The churches, families, and community members worked diligently to gather the supplementary funds, yet our brothers were still killed."
"We remain steadfast in our faith, believing that our God is omniscient and will hold the perpetrators accountable for their heinous acts. They will find no peace and will face perpetual unease until they turn to God Almighty."
"We are profoundly thankful to God for the safe return of the remaining individuals who are now receiving medical attention. We pray for continued comfort and healing for all affected."
"We implore those who aid such criminals and betray their own people to cease and repent, lest they too face severe repercussions.
"You may perceive worldly success, but your ultimate destination will be hell. What is the true value of gaining the entire world if it means forfeiting eternal salvation? It is a futile pursuit."
"Our Lord God, Yahweh, will continue to champion our cause. This struggle originates in the spiritual realm before manifesting physically."
"The adversary employs individuals, even from within our midst, to advance his agenda. This reality underscores the importance of understanding our position in Christ and engaging in both spiritual and physical combat. Victory in the spiritual realm simplifies the physical challenges."
"Brothers and sisters, let us persist in prayer for divine intervention in these trying circumstances. May He grant us strength and protection for triumph in both dimensions. We hold the belief that our departed brethren are at peace with the Lord Jesus. While this is a difficult loss, their eternal rest offers solace."
"It was God's design for them to depart in this manner, and through our prayers, He will provide comfort to us and their families. He will raise up helpers, much like in the story of Job, whose afflictions ultimately led to blessings. So shall it be for us."
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