A young bride-to-be and her bridesmaids were freed after spending about 49 days in the captivity of bandits in Chacho village, Wurno Local Government Area of Sokoto State. Their release came after the families raised a ransom of N10 million, alongside three brand-new motorcycles and other items, highlighting the severe human and economic toll of insecurity in rural communities.
The abduction occurred barely 24 hours before the wedding, when armed bandits stormed the village under the cover of darkness, targeting the bride’s residence and whisking her and her friends away. The attack plunged the community into shock and fear, as unarmed villagers were helpless against the heavily armed criminals.
Intelligence later revealed that the captives were held in a bandit enclave deep inside the Sububu Forest, which spans parts of Isa and Sabon Birni local government areas and extends into Zamfara State and the Niger Republic. The forest has long been notorious as a hideout for criminal gangs terrorizing northern communities.
The prolonged captivity was attributed to the family’s inability to immediately meet the bandits’ shifting ransom demands. The relatives explained that they sold livestock, belongings, and valuables, and relied on assistance from well-meaning citizens to raise the required amount. The negotiation lasted seven weeks, ultimately costing the family N10 million in cash, three motorcycles, and additional food supplies.
Following their release, the victims were taken to an undisclosed hospital for medical attention due to their fragile condition and security concerns. The Police Public Relations Officer, Ahmed Rufai, said the command was yet to receive full details of the incident but promised to coordinate with local offices as pressure mounts on authorities to address the country’s worsening security crisis.
