Two women abducted in Sokoto State have reportedly given birth while in the custody of bandits, seven weeks after being kidnapped alongside six other members of their household.
Family members disclosed that one woman delivered a baby boy and the other a baby girl during captivity. A relative, who spoke on condition of anonymity for security reasons, said the kidnappers themselves informed the family about the births during ransom negotiations.
“They told us that two of the women have given birth inside the forest,” the relative said. “One delivered a baby boy and the other a baby girl. We were shocked and helpless because they are still in captivity with newborns.”
The source explained that eight members of the same family were initially abducted, comprising five women and three men. Three of the victims, including a nursing mother, later escaped from the hideout and are receiving medical care.
“Three of them managed to flee and have reunited with us, but three young men and the two women who just gave birth are still with the bandits,” he said. “We have paid over N8 million already, yet the kidnappers are insisting on N10 million before they release the rest.”
The relative also lamented that the attack claimed the life of an elderly man, leaving some children without parental support. He called on security agencies to intensify operations in affected communities.
“We need more security presence in our villages,” he said. “What is happening here is beyond us. People are living in fear every day.”
The abduction occurred about seven weeks ago in Takatsaba village in Sabon Birni Local Government Area, when armed men stormed the community and targeted a single household.
When contacted, the spokesperson for the Sokoto State Police Command, DSP Ahmad Rufai, said the command had not been formally notified of the incident.
“We are not aware of the case because it was not officially reported to us,” he said.
