Midnight horror in Katsina: Mother, child abducted, survive eight days of captivity

A young mother has recounted a harrowing eight-day ordeal in the hands of kidnappers after she and her infant son were abducted from their home in the early hours of November 20, 2020, in Dongo Compound, Batagarawa Local Government Area of Katsina State.

The survivor, whose identity is being protected, told journalists that the incident occurred around 1:00 a.m. while she and her son, Khaleed, were asleep.

A Night That Changed Everything

According to our correspondent, the quiet of the night was shattered when three armed men stormed her room and ordered her—through gestures and words she could not understand—to carry her child and follow them.

“I had no choice,” she said. “They took us outside where others were waiting. I was blindfolded, and we were driven to an unknown place.”

The journey, she recalled, felt endless, marked by fear and uncertainty as her crying child drew no sympathy from the abductors.

Days of Fear and Uncertainty

After arriving at their destination, the blindfold was removed, revealing a group of armed men. Over the next eight days, the victim said she endured severe physical and emotional abuse while being held under harsh conditions.

Her captors reportedly made repeated demands for ransom, insisting on ₦7 million for her release. During captivity, she was forced to contact her family, who struggled desperately to meet the demand.

Family’s Desperate Struggle

The victim’s mother, who spoke briefly on the condition of anonymity, described the period as one of “unimaginable fear and helplessness.”

She managed to raise ₦1.3 million through loans, the sale of family assets, and support from friends and relatives. Despite her efforts, the amount fell far short of the kidnappers’ demand.

“They kept calling, threatening,” the mother said. “All I wanted was to have my daughter and grandson back alive.”

Release and Rescue

On the eighth day, the victim and her child were abandoned by their captors at an undisclosed location. A passerby later found them and took them to a nearby police station in Zangon Rimi.

Arrangements were subsequently made by the family to reunite them with relatives outside the state.

Healing and Recovery

Though physically recovering, the survivor admitted that the emotional impact of the ordeal remains significant. She and her child are currently receiving care and support as they begin the difficult process of rebuilding their lives.

“The scars are not just physical,” she said quietly. “But I am determined to move forward.”

Police Investigation Ongoing

Authorities have confirmed that investigations are underway. The victim has provided useful information to aid efforts in tracking down the perpetrators.

In a related development, the landlord of the residence where the abduction occurred has corroborated the incident, confirming to journalists that the victim was indeed taken from her premises on the said date.

A Call for Justice and Awareness

The survivor has called on authorities to intensify efforts to curb kidnapping and ensure justice for victims.

She also encouraged others who have faced similar experiences to speak out and seek help.

“Silence helps no one,” she said. “There is hope, and there must be justice.”

Growing Concern

The incident adds to the growing concern over insecurity in parts of northern Nigeria, where kidnapping for ransom has continued to pose a serious threat to lives and livelihoods.

For this survivor, however, the focus remains clear—healing, justice, and a future free from fear.