Kaduna: Abducted One-Month-Old Baby Dies in Captivity; Kidnappers Demand N7 Million Ransom
A tragic incident has unfolded in Kaduna State, where a 32-day-old baby, abducted along with its mother, has reportedly died while in the custody of bandits. The kidnapping occurred over a week ago in the Mother Cat community, located within the Kachia Local Government Area of Southern Kaduna.
Details of the Abduction and Death
According to Comrade Ibrahim Sallau, who initially reported the abduction, the bandits contacted the family to deliver the devastating news. In a message sent to Rariya on Thursday, April 16, 2026, Sallau confirmed that the infant had passed away. The kidnappers are now demanding a ransom of seven million naira (N7 million) for the release of the mother and the baby's corpse.
The message from Sallau reads: "Peace be upon you, Rariya. I wish you well and pray that Allah continues to elevate you. The message I sent to you last week was about this woman who was kidnapped along with her 32-day-old baby in the Mother Cat area of Kachia Local Government in Southern Kaduna. Sadly, Allah has taken the life of the baby. They called on the phone and said that a ransom of seven million naira should be brought to secure the release of the mother and the baby's body."
Community Impact and Security Concerns
This heartbreaking event highlights the ongoing security challenges in Kaduna State, particularly in regions plagued by banditry. The abduction of a nursing mother and her newborn underscores the vulnerability of civilians in these areas. The demand for a substantial ransom further exacerbates the trauma faced by the affected family and community.
Local authorities and security agencies have yet to issue an official statement regarding this specific case. However, such incidents continue to raise alarms about the need for enhanced security measures and swift responses to kidnapping threats in Kaduna and other parts of Nigeria.
The community of Mother Cat and surrounding areas remain on edge as they grapple with the loss and the ongoing captivity of the mother. Efforts to secure her release are likely underway, but the situation remains tense and uncertain.
