A pregnant woman, a nursing mother, another woman and her four children have regained their freedom after spending about 50 days in captivity in Kaduna State, following their abduction by armed bandits.
The victims were among seven persons kidnapped from Sabon Gyero community in the Millennium City area of Chikun Local Government Area. Residents said the attackers invaded the community four days before the end of the Ramadan fasting period, killing one person during the raid before whisking away the victims.
The release of the abductees on Thursday, May 7, 2026, brought relief and celebration to residents of Sabon Gyero, who gathered to welcome them home after weeks of fear and uncertainty.
Community members described the return of the victims as emotional, saying families had been praying and hoping for their safe release since the day of the attack.
According to residents, neighbouring communities such as Dokan Mai-Jama’a, Kyauta and Dan Hono II, all within the Millennium City axis of Chikun Local Government Area, have witnessed repeated attacks by bandits this year. The incidents have added to growing insecurity concerns in parts of Kaduna State.
Sources familiar with the situation said the victims were released after what they described as prolonged negotiations between the kidnappers and representatives of the affected families. It was gathered that ransom money and motorcycles were allegedly delivered to the bandits before the captives were freed.
Although details of the ransom were not officially confirmed by authorities, residents said the agreement was reached after weeks of intense pressure on families who struggled to secure the release of their loved ones.
Investigations showed that one of the pregnant women had earlier regained her freedom about three weeks before the final release of the remaining victims. The rest of the group, including a nursing mother, another woman and four children, were released together on Thursday.
The attackers were also said to have stormed a phone charging centre during the initial raid, where they killed a young man identified as Abdullahi Lawal, popularly known in the community as “Kurma.” His killing had earlier heightened fear in the area and forced some residents to flee temporarily.
The latest incident reflects the ongoing security challenges faced by rural and semi-urban communities in parts of northern Nigeria, where bandit groups have continued to carry out kidnappings, killings and raids on villages.
In recent years, Nigeria has witnessed a rise in banditry, particularly in states such as Kaduna, Zamfara, Katsina, Niger and parts of Sokoto. These criminal groups often target villages, highways and remote settlements, abducting residents for ransom.
Kaduna State has remained one of the hardest-hit areas, with repeated attacks recorded in both rural communities and outskirts of urban centres. Many residents have repeatedly called on authorities to strengthen security presence and protect vulnerable communities.
In several cases, abducted victims are held for weeks or months while families negotiate ransom payments. Many families are forced to sell property or borrow money in desperate efforts to secure the release of loved ones.
The Sabon Gyero community, where the latest incident occurred, has experienced fear and tension since the attack. Residents say many families now avoid travelling at night and remain alert due to fear of further attacks.
Community leaders have also urged security agencies to increase patrols and surveillance in the area to prevent future incidents. Some residents believe that stronger intelligence gathering and faster response from security operatives could reduce the frequency of such attacks.
The Kaduna State Government has in the past taken several measures to tackle insecurity, including military operations, community policing initiatives and collaboration with federal security agencies. However, bandit attacks have continued in some parts of the state despite these efforts.
For families affected by the latest kidnapping, the return of their loved ones brought both relief and emotional trauma. Many residents expressed gratitude for the safe release but also called for lasting solutions to end the cycle of violence and abductions.
One resident said the community had lived in fear throughout the 50 days the victims were held, adding that nights were often tense as families worried about the fate of the abductees.
The release has also renewed discussions about the need for improved rural security infrastructure, including better road access, communication systems and rapid response units that can intervene during attacks.
As the victims return home, attention is now shifting to how authorities will respond to prevent similar incidents in the future. Residents are calling for more decisive action against armed groups operating in forests and border communities.
For now, the people of Sabon Gyero are celebrating the return of their loved ones, even as concerns remain over the safety of neighbouring communities still exposed to the threat of bandit attacks