Bandits contact parents of kidnapped Sokoto bride

The father of the bride kidnapped alongside her friends in Chacho village, Wurno Local Government Area of Sokoto State, says the abductors have contacted the community two days after the attack.

Malam Umaru Chacho confirmed on Monday that the suspected bandits, who invaded the village and whisked away 13 people—including 11 women and two men—called the families but did not demand a ransom.

“Yes, they have contacted us,” Umaru said. “When they called, they said we should connect them with the traditional ruler of the town, but we refused. We asked them to speak with us instead, but they declined, insisting they wanted to speak to our traditional ruler.”

The attack occurred during preparations for a wedding and left several villagers injured.

Umaru said one relative of the bride who tried to resist the abductors sustained a serious gunshot wound and narrowly survived.

He expressed deep concern over the deteriorating security situation in the community, recounting repeated attacks over the years.

“Over 30 people have been killed here in the last five years since these bandits started disturbing our community,” he said.

Beyond insecurity, Umaru lamented the poor state of basic infrastructure in Chacho, one of the largest rural settlements in the area.

“Despite our population, we don’t have a police outpost, we don’t have a functional hospital, and many essential amenities are missing,” he said. “This has made life even harder for our people.”

Wurno and neighbouring communities have experienced persistent security challenges, with banditry, kidnappings, and rural raids becoming increasingly frequent.

Residents say the lack of adequate security presence has emboldened criminal groups, leaving villages vulnerable, particularly during social gatherings.

Chacho village has repeatedly appealed for government intervention, including the establishment of a police post and improved healthcare support.

Authorities are yet to issue an official statement on the latest abduction, as families continue to await further communication from the kidnappers.

Meanwhile, Senator Sunday Karimi, representing Kogi West Senatorial District, has condemned the abduction of worshippers during Sunday’s attack on a Cherubim & Seraphim Church branch in Ejiba, Yagba West Local Government Area, Kogi State, and called for their unconditional release.

In a statement issued in Lokoja on Monday, Karimi urged Nigerians to join in prayer for the victims.

He said gunmen stormed the church during its regular Sunday service, abducting the pastor, his wife, and an unspecified number of congregants.

“The assault was an attempt by criminals masquerading as bandits to create panic and distract President Ahmed Bola Tinubu’s administration from delivery on his core mandate,” Karimi said.

He added that despite recent attacks in Kogi West, the quest for good governance and effective representation would not be deterred.

Karimi further urged the families of the abducted to remain calm, noting that President Tinubu had already directed security agencies to take swift measures for the safe return of the victims.

He also called on constituents to remain vigilant and share any information that could help curb the rising tide of kidnappings and other crimes in the district and across Nigeria.

Recall that Kogi West has recently witnessed a series of suspected bandit attacks.

On Friday, two travellers were abducted during an attack on their vehicle, while a third person managed to escape.-