A student, Nathan Gideon, from Kuyanbana, Kwassam Local Government Area of Kaduna State, tells GRACE EDEMA how his brother and nine others were kidnapped by bandits, who refused to release them despite collecting N30m ransom
Where and when was your brother kidnapped?
The kidnappers invaded our village on October 23, 2025, around 11:27 pm. That night, they abducted 10 people, including my brother.
Can you describe how the bandits entered your village that day? From which direction did they come, and what were people doing at the time?
It was at night, so we cannot clearly say the direction they entered from. People were sleeping at that time. They came into our area around then. If I remember correctly, we only noticed them when they were already inside the village.
Because of that, we could not tell exactly where they came in from. However, from information gathered from some people who were taken and later released, we understand that the bandits entered from the western side of our community.
How were they dressed?
They were dressed in black clothes and black shoes.
Does your village have vigilantes?
Yes, we have vigilantes in our community.
What happened when the vigilantes encountered the bandits? Was any of the bandits killed?
No one was killed. The vigilantes did not succeed in fighting them back.
So, what action did the vigilantes take?
After the incident, our vigilantes, together with soldiers stationed nearby, tried to pursue the bandits. However, they did not catch up with them.
Do you have a military barracks close to your village?
No, there is no barracks—only a military checkpoint.
When the soldiers at the checkpoint became aware that bandits had entered your village, did they respond immediately?
Yes, they responded. When we explained what had happened in our community, the soldiers followed the bandits.
Did they catch up with them?
No! They did not see anyone until the next day. The bandits escaped into the bush behind our community, which is why they could not be seen.
Did the police come at any point?
No. We did not report the incident to the police.
Since the army was aware of the attack, what actions have they taken since that day?
That same night, after the bandits entered the bush, the soldiers returned to the area around 2 am, and again around 6 am. In the morning, they came back once more, but the bandits had already moved deeper into the bush and surrounding farmlands.
So, the soldiers did not see any of the bandits. In your opinion, do you think the government and the soldiers handle the situation properly?
Yes, I am satisfied.
But do you also feel they could have done more?
Honestly, they should have stopped them. They are soldiers, and soldiers are supposed to arrest bandits. Even if the bandits entered the bush, they should have followed and fished them out.
Why do you think that did not happen?
The reason is that there is a mountain behind our community. That is why they could not see or catch them.
What is your brother’s name?
His name is Antony Gambo.
How old is he?
He is 32 years old.
How old are you?
I am 34 years old.
How is his family coping with his absence?
They are suffering. When you can’t find your own like this, nobody really helps you. At this point, only God can help them.
We have sold everything we have—our assets—to raise money. Now we cannot afford the N20m ransom anymore.
What does he do for a living?
He is a businessman. He graduated from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, and runs a PoS business.
Is his wife working?
No. She is not working.
How is she managing to feed and care for the children?
She struggles. She tries to manage the PoS business her husband was running, but things are very difficult without him.
Despite paying the ransom, they have not released him or the others. Not even one person has been released among those kidnapped.
Have you been in contact with your brother since the abduction?
Yes, we have been in contact with my brother and nine others through the kidnappers. We have paid the ransom.
How much did you pay as ransom initially?
We paid N30m to them.
Apart from the ransom, did you give the kidnappers anything else?
No, we only paid money—the N30m I talked about.
We learnt that your community also gave them motorcycles. Is that true?
No. After we paid the N30m, they came back to demand seven motorcycles and an additional N20m.
Why do you think they are making another demand after you had already given them N30m as ransom?
That was not the original agreement. Before we paid the N30m, we agreed on the terms. But after receiving the money, they changed their demand and asked for N20m and seven motorcycles.
When did they make this new demand?
They did so on December 22, 2025.
Have you been able to speak with the villagers who were abducted? Are they still alive?
Yes, they are alive. We have spoken with my brother and one of the others.
Are there women among those abducted?
Yes.
How many women are there now?
There are two women among the victims.
But it was said that one woman escaped. How true is it?
Yes. There were three women initially, but one managed to escape. Two women are still in captivity.
What is the name of the village where they were abducted?
They were kidnapped in the Kuyambana community, in the Kuruwa–Kalagama area of Kaduna State.
What is the name of your village head?
My other brother’s name is Paul Zaka Paul. He is our village head.
The community paid N30m as ransom. How were they able to raise that amount?
We paid the N30m in one payment. The money was contributed by members of our community and churches. It was very difficult. That is why I am explaining how hard it was to raise the money. Recently, my brother spoke with us. Sometimes he calls us directly with his phone, and sometimes the kidnappers allow him to use their phone to talk to us. Each time, it is to warn us about their new demands.
The kidnappers are now demanding an additional N20m. Will you be able to raise it?
No. We cannot. We raised the first N30m through heavy contributions from our community and churches. We do not have the capacity to raise another N20m.
Since the community can no longer afford the new ransom, what steps are you planning to take to secure the release of those still in captivity?
Our only plan now is to ask the government for help. There is no other way out. We are pleading with the media that you help us speak to the government so that God will touch their hearts and our people can be released.
So, you will not be paying the new demand?
No! We simply do not have the money.
What message do you want to pass to the kidnappers?
We are begging them to please help us and release our people.
Who is the oldest person among those in captivity?
The oldest person is almost 54 years old. He is a man.
Are any of them ill at all?
Yes. Antony and Suli are ill.
Since the abduction in October, has the state government or the state governor taken any steps to help you?
No! Nothing of such has happened.
Since October, has the local government chairman or any official reached out to assist you?
No! Even our local government chairman has said nothing. No effort has been made to help us, even though they are aware of the situation. It is very bad. Nobody has said anything or come to our aid.
We are pleading with the government to help us. We cannot solve this problem on our own. We are still praying and hoping that help will come.
What message do you have for the local, state, and federal governments, as well as the security agencies on the current level of insecurity?
I want to especially appeal to our local government in Yewa to come to our rescue. This problem is affecting many communities, not just ours. Villages like Aramaji, Uyambana, and Fagenawa have also been attacked. We are begging the government to visit these communities, see the suffering of their people, and take action to help us.
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