The Chairman of the Elders Forum of Gidan Waya, Yarkasuwa, Saminaka, in Lere Local Government Area of Kaduna State, Mr. Rabo Sabo Jantsauni, has sent a “Save Our Soul” message to Governor Uba Sani, seeking help to secure the release of 13 kinsmen who were kidnapped on November 11, 2025, and remain in captivity despite the payment of a ₦40 million ransom to the bandits.

Addressing a press conference in Kaduna on Monday, Jantsauni said bandits stormed their village in November 2025, killing four people, injuring five others, and abducting 13 residents. He identified those killed as Promise Korau, 18; Hycent Timothy, 19; Mato Shagori, 40; and Markus Ishaya.

Those currently receiving treatment in hospital are Kefas Iliya, 23; Philimon Daniel, 25; Ezra Samson, 27; and one unidentified person.

He said the 13 kidnapped victims are Habibu Yahaya, 42; Love Markus, 38; Mummy Markus, 49; Catherine Shitu, 40; Ibrahim Bagobari, 46; John Ibrahim, 15; and Rev. Istifanus Dungu, 58.

Others are Christiana Dungu, 14; Prince Dungu, 13; Miss Dauda; Mrs. Rev. Danbala Inuwa, 38; Lois Markus, 25; and Yohanna Umar, 30.

According to him, the bandits later demanded ₦300 million as ransom, but the community could not raise the amount, asking, “Where did they expect us to find such a huge amount?”

He explained that the community eventually sold about 3,000 bags of assorted grains to raise ₦40 million, which was delivered to the bandits.

He lamented that despite paying the ransom, “it is now three weeks, and the bandits are yet to release the 13 kidnapped people. Worse still, they attacked the village again on January 7, 2026, and abducted two Fulani women.”

“The community wants to appeal to Governor Uba Sani to come to our rescue and ensure that our people regain their freedom. We do not know if His Excellency, Governor Uba Sani, or even our local government chairman is aware of what has happened to us. That is why we are appealing through the media,” he said.

While acknowledging the efforts of the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in Lere, who reportedly visited the community several times after the attack, Jantsauni appealed for urgent intervention from both the state and federal governments.

“We are calling on the state government, the local government, and Governor Uba Sani to help us secure the release of our people. We also want the governor to reach out to the federal government for assistance,” he said.

Beyond the trauma of the abduction, the community is now facing hunger after selling off its grain reserves.

“After selling our food to pay ransom, we are now going hungry. We can no longer feed our families,” he said, calling on the government to provide food support while the community awaits the return of their abducted relatives.

He described the situation as heartbreaking, noting that the entire community has been thrown into mourning, fear, and uncertainty.

“Everybody is shedding tears. We are suffering, and our people are still in captivity,” he added. (Nigerian Tribune)

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