Kaduna, Nigeria – Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani has pledged a new home, full medical care, and ongoing psychosocial support to Ahmed Abubakar Zakka, his wife Nafisah, and their six-month-old daughter Fatima, following the family’s release from captivity by kidnappers.
The governor made the commitment during a visit on Tuesday, October 20, 2026, to the family at a state government safe house, where they continue recovering after discharge from hospital. Sani described their ordeal as “a painful reminder of the human cost of insecurity” and reaffirmed the state’s policy of supporting victims of banditry and kidnapping.
“The Kaduna State Government will provide them with a home, meet all medical expenses and ensure sustained psychosocial care to help them recover, rebuild their lives and regain a sense of security,” the governor stated in a post shared after the visit. He noted that the administration has previously provided houses for other victims and would extend the same support to the Zakka family.
The family was abducted on the night of October 6, 2026, from their residence in Alrahus Estate, Millennium City, Chikun Local Government Area. Armed bandits stormed the estate around 11:30 p.m., moving from house to house before seizing Zakka, Nafisah, and baby Fatima.
A disturbing video later circulated widely on social media, showing Zakka holding his crying infant while an armed man pointed a rifle at his head. In the footage, Zakka appealed for help in Hausa, revealing that the captors were demanding a ₦300 million ransom. The clip sparked nationwide outrage and calls for urgent intervention.
The family regained freedom after approximately nine days in captivity, around October 15. Details of the release, including whether any ransom was paid, remain unclear, though security sources and family contacts confirmed their safe return. They were initially taken for medical treatment before being moved to a government safe house.
Earlier social media rumours claiming that baby Fatima had died in captivity were firmly dismissed by family sources. “It’s not true. The baby is alive, and she is fine,” a relative told reporters, emphasising that the infant remained with her parents throughout the ordeal.
Relatives earlier disclosed that both Zakka and Nafisah are orphans who waited six years after marriage before the birth of Fatima, making the abduction particularly traumatic for the young family.
Governor Sani thanked President Bola Tinubu for his personal engagement on the matter and commended National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu and security agencies for their role in securing the family’s release. He reiterated the government’s determination to confront banditry through stronger cooperation with federal security outfits.
The incident has renewed concerns about insecurity in Millennium City and surrounding communities in Kaduna State, where residents continue to call for intensified efforts to protect lives and property.
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