Tragedy continues to unfold in the Katari area of Kaduna, where thirteen children, abducted by suspected bandits on January 6, 2024, have endured 23 days in captivity. The assailants also claimed the life of a 53-year-old baker, Mr. Tijani Amedu, during the attack.
The incident occurred as the victims, mainly children, were returning to Kaduna after a visit to Warri, Delta State. The children, traveling with Amedu, were abducted while using two buses, with the bandits reportedly shooting at them. Amedu’s brother, Rasaq, shared the distressing news, revealing that the first bus managed to escape, but the second, carrying his elder brother and the 13 children, was intercepted by the bandits.
The family learned about the situation when the children began communicating from captivity. The kidnappers are demanding a ransom of N50 million, reduced from an initial demand of N200 million after negotiations. According to Rasaq, his elder brother sustained fatal injuries during the attack, leading to his death.
Zinab, Amedu’s wife, confirmed her husband’s tragic fate and pleaded for assistance, stating, “They killed my husband and they went away with 13 children. We have 13 of our children with them.”
The family’s ordeal underscores the ongoing threat of banditry and kidnapping in the region. Despite the tragedy, the Kaduna State Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Mansur Hassan, assured that the command would investigate the matter. However, no updates were provided as of the time of reporting.
In a separate incident last week, another victim, Akeem Kareem, was released after spending about three days in the kidnappers’ den along the Benin-Ore Expressway. His son, Sefiu, confirmed the release, noting that a ransom of N3 million was paid to secure his father’s freedom. The incidents highlight the urgent need for improved security measures and interventions to curb the rising wave of kidnappings in the region.
