The village head of Kuyambana community in Kauru Local Government Area of Kaduna State, Zakka Paul, has alleged that armed kidnappers are still holding nine residents despite receiving a N30 million ransom from families and community members.
Paul said 10 people were abducted when gunmen invaded the community in October 2025, but one woman later escaped. According to him, the attackers stormed homes at night, firing shots before taking the victims away.
Speaking to journalists, the traditional leader said the community negotiated with the abductors, who initially demanded N100 million but later agreed to N30 million. He said the money was delivered in December 2025 at a location near Idon in neighbouring Kachia LGA. Despite the payment, Paul claimed the kidnappers have not released the remaining captives and are now demanding an additional N20 million and seven motorcycles.
He said the incident was reported to security agencies and local authorities but appealed for urgent government intervention to secure the victims’ release.“ We sold farm produce and contributed money to raise the ransom, and now we have nothing left,” he said, adding that some of those still in captivity are young orphans. There was no immediate official response from the Kaduna State Police Command at the time of filing this report.ywords:
