Kidnappers Demand N300m for Kaduna Man, Wife and Infant Daughter

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and Kaduna North lawmaker Mohammed Bello El-Rufai have called for urgent security action following the abduction of Ahmed Abubakar Zakka, his wife and their infant daughter in Kaduna State.

The family was abducted from their residence in Millennium City, with the kidnappers demanding N300 million for their release, according to a video circulating on social media on Monday.

In the video, Zakka is seen holding his daughter, while his wife sits beside him. An armed man with his face concealed points a rifle at Zakka’s head and threatens to shoot him.

Speaking in Hausa, Zakka appealed to Nigerians to help secure the family’s release, saying he could not afford the amount demanded by the kidnappers.

“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 said.

The armed man also threatened to shoot Zakka in the hand or head as his wife pleaded for help. However, the location where the video was recorded could not be independently established from the footage.

Reacting to the incident in a post on X on Monday, Atiku described the video as “disturbing” and urged security agencies to secure the release of the family and other Nigerians being held captive.

“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,” he said.

The former vice president added that Nigerians should not have to fear abduction in their homes or on the roads, noting that insecurity further compounds the financial and emotional pressures facing families.

Atiku called on the government to move beyond assurances by strengthening security operations, protecting vulnerable communities and dismantling kidnapping networks.

Similarly, El-Rufai, who represents Kaduna North Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, called for intensified security operations following recurring kidnappings in Millennium City, particularly around Dan Bushiya.

In a statement on Monday, the lawmaker described the incidents as “unacceptable and demand urgent, decisive action,” stressing that residents should not live in fear of being abducted in their homes or communities.

He urged the Kaduna State Government, the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies to strengthen intelligence gathering, intensify operations and ensure the immediate rescue of the abducted 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,” he said.

El-Rufai also called for security measures to protect neighbouring communities, including Malali and Unguwan Rimi, warning against allowing kidnapping to become normalised in Kaduna State.

When contacted, the spokesperson for the Kaduna State Police Command, Mansir Hassam, told our correspondent that he would provide an update on the incident.
“I will get back to you,” he said.

However, he had yet to respond to subsequent messages as of the time of filing this report.