N300m Ransom: Atiku, El-Rufai Decry Kaduna Family Abduction

A Kaduna State resident, Ahmed Abubakar Zakka, has issued an urgent appeal for help after he, his wife, and their infant daughter were kidn*pped by armed individuals. The abductors are demanding a substantial N300 million ransom for their release. This distressing incident prompted reactions from former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and a federal lawmaker, Mohammed Bello El-Rufai, who both called for the victims' immediate release.

On Monday, a video circulated widely on X (formerly Twitter), showing Zakka with his wife seated beside him, while he cradled their child. The family was reportedly seized from their home in Millennium City, Kaduna State. In the footage, an unidentified gunman, with his face obscured and location unknown at the time of reporting, was seen pointing a rifle at Zakka's head, threatening to shoot.

Speaking in Hausa, Zakka disclosed that he, his spouse, and daughter were taken captive around 11 pm on Monday. He pleaded with Nigerians for assistance, explaining that the kidn*ppers’ demand for N300 million was beyond his means. “They are requesting 300 million, and I don’t even know how to come by that money. Please, Nigerians should come to our aid for the sake of Allah,” he stated. The video also captured the gunman threatening to shoot Zakka in either his hand or head, as his wife tearfully begged for intervention.

Reacting to the harrowing video via his X handle on Monday, Atiku Abubakar described the content as “disturbing” and highlighted the incident as further proof that insecurity remains a significant threat to Nigerian citizens. He expressed dismay that no Nigerian should ever be forced to beg for their life or safety from criminals, especially with an infant involved. Abubakar urged security agencies to act decisively to ensure the safe rescue of Zakka’s family and all other Nigerians currently held captive.

His tweet read, “The disturbing video of Ahmed Zakka, reportedly abducted alongside his wife and infant child in Kaduna State, is a painful reminder of the insecurity that continues to threaten lives and tear families apart across Nigeria. No Nigerian should have to plead for their life or the safety of their family in the hands of criminals. The thought of an infant caught in this ordeal is especially heartbreaking. I urge the relevant security agencies to act swiftly and decisively to secure the safe release of Ahmed Zakka, his wife, their child, and every other Nigerian still held in captivity.”

Abubakar further stressed the timing of this tragedy, occurring when families are already grappling with severe economic hardship. “This tragedy comes as families are already struggling with the crushing cost of living. Nigerians are battling the rising cost of food, transport and other essentials; they should not also have to live in fear of being abducted in their homes or on the roads. Insecurity deepens hardship, disrupts livelihoods and leaves families bearing both emotional and financial burdens they can scarcely afford.” He called on the government to “move beyond assurances and deliver an effective, sustained response: rescue those in captivity, protect vulnerable communities and dismantle the networks responsible for these crimes. Every Nigerian deserves to live, work and raise a family without the constant fear of violence.”

Similarly, Mohammed Bello El-Rufai, who represents Kaduna North Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, released a statement on Monday conveying his deep concern about the kidn*pping. He branded such occurrences as “unacceptable and demand urgent, decisive action,” emphasizing that residents should not have to live in fear. “I am deeply concerned by the recurring kidnappings in Millennium City, particularly around Dan Bushiya. These incidents are unacceptable and demand urgent, decisive action. No resident should live in fear of being abducted in their own home or community. We cannot allow kidn*pping to become normalised in Kaduna, especially in the heart of our metropolis,” El-Rufai stated.

The Kaduna lawmaker appealed to the Kaduna State Government, the Nigeria Police Force, and other relevant security bodies to “intensify operations, strengthen intelligence gathering and ensure the immediate rescue of those abducted.” He specifically mentioned the Zakka family: “The latest being the family of Ahmad Zakka, including himself, his wife and their infant daughter. Shame. There must also be sustained measures to prevent further attacks and bring the perpetrators to justice.”

El-Rufai concluded by highlighting the urgency of the situation, not only for securing Dan Bushiya and Millennium City but also for safeguarding nearby communities like Malali and Unguwan Rimi from similar threats. He asserted, “Our people deserve more than expressions of concern; they deserve tangible results. The security of our people is non-negotiable. We must not surrender our communities to criminals or allow families to live at the mercy of kidn*ppers. May Allah protect our people and grant the safe return of all those in captivity.”

When contacted for comment, Mansir Hassam, the spokesperson for the Kaduna State Police Command, informed our correspondent that he would provide an update later. “I will get back to you,” he said. However, as of the time of filing this report, he had not yet responded to follow-up messages.