After spending three harrowing weeks in the custody of suspected kidnappers, a Katsina-based businessman, his pregnant wife, and their two-year-old daughter have regained their freedom.
The man, Anas Ahmadu, along with his wife, Halimatu, and their daughter, was released after the family reportedly paid a ransom of N50 million to the abductors.
The incident occurred weeks earlier when the victims were kidnapped from their residence in the Filin Canada Quarters of Katsina metropolis.
During the abduction, a vigilante member, Abdullahi Muhammad, who attempted to resist the gunmen, was killed.
Relatives of the victims confirmed on Thursday that the family had spent 21 days in captivity before being released the previous night.
The kidnappers had initially demanded N600 million, later reduced to N100 million, before finally settling for N50 million.
Although the exact location of the ransom drop-off and the detention camp remains undisclosed for security reasons, family members said the victims are safe and currently on their way home.
The Katsina State Police Command had earlier confirmed the abduction, stating that efforts were being intensified to ensure the victims’ safe return.
Kidnapping for ransom remains a serious security challenge in parts of Katsina and several other northern Nigerian states.
