Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani has promised a home and medical care for a couple and their infant daughter. The family was released by kidnappers. Ahmed Zakka, his wife Nafisah, and their six-month-old daughter Fatima were abducted from their home in Millennium City. They regained freedom after nine days. On Tuesday, the governor visited them at a state government safe house.
Kidnapping for ransom has become a defining crime in Kaduna State. SBM Intelligence recorded 7,825 abductions between July 2025 and June 2026. The northwest accounted for 7,334. Millennium City and neighbouring communities in Chikun Local Government Area have seen repeated incidents. In 2024, residents protested over insecurity. The government promised action. The abductions continued.
The family was abducted on 6 October from their residence in Alrahus Estate, Millennium City. A video circulated on social media. It showed Zakka holding his crying infant daughter while an armed man pointed a rifle at him. His wife was seen pleading for help. Zakka appealed to Nigerians for assistance. He said the abductors were demanding ₦300 million. The footage triggered widespread outrage and calls for intervention. The family regained freedom on 15 October. The circumstances remain unclear, including whether a ransom was paid.
Sani said the ordeal was a painful reminder of the human cost of insecurity. “Every resident deserves to live without fear,” he said. He said the family’s release strengthened his resolve to tackle banditry. He promised closer cooperation with security agencies and deeper engagement with communities. He thanked President Bola Tinubu for his personal engagement. He commended the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, and security agencies. He said the family expressed gratitude for the care they received. He pledged medical, psychological and social assistance to restore their sense of security.
Winners: The Zakka family, who gain freedom and support. Uba Sani, who shows compassion. Security agencies, which secured the release. The community, which gains a promise of stronger security. Losers: The kidnappers, who lost their hostages. Residents of Millennium City, who remain at risk. Taxpayers, if the new home and care are funded publicly. The government, if the security promises are not kept. Other kidnap victims, who may not receive similar support.
Bottom Line: A family was kidnapped. A video went viral. They were released after nine days. The governor promised a home and care. That is welcome. It is not a policy. Kaduna’s kidnapping crisis needs more than compassion for one family. It needs security for all.