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Gidan Waya Community in Kaduna Faces Crisis as Bandits Withhold 13 Kidnapped Residents Despite Ransom Payment
In a distressing development from Kaduna State, the Gidan Waya community in Lere Local Government Area remains in turmoil after 13 of its members were abducted by armed bandits. Despite the community’s payment of a substantial ransom of ₦40 million, the captives have yet to be freed, plunging the area into deep hardship and food insecurity.
Nighttime Assault Leaves Community Traumatized
Mallam Rabo Sambo, Chairman of the Gidan Waya Elders Forum, revealed during a press briefing on January 26, 2026, that the attack occurred in the late hours of November 11, 2025. Armed assailants launched a sudden and violent raid between 11 p.m. and midnight, firing indiscriminately and causing widespread panic among residents.
“Gunfire erupted suddenly, and before we could react, the bandits had encircled our entire settlement,” Sambo recounted. He emphasized that the community’s isolated nature made it vulnerable to such an ambush.
Casualties and Abductions
The violent incursion resulted in the deaths of four villagers, while five others sustained gunshot wounds and were promptly taken to nearby hospitals for emergency care. The kidnappers forcibly took 13 individuals-comprising five men and eight women-to an undisclosed location.
“This is unprecedented for us; Gidan Waya has always been a peaceful community,” Sambo lamented, noting that the attackers wore masks, making identification impossible.
Ransom Payment and Its Devastating Impact
In January 2026, the kidnappers contacted the community demanding ₦40 million for the hostages’ release. To meet this demand, the villagers sold over 3,000 bags of maize-their primary food stockpile intended to sustain families for months.
“When the trucks arrived to collect the maize, the entire community was in tears,” Sambo said, highlighting the dire consequences of sacrificing their food reserves. “Now, many families are facing hunger and uncertainty.”
Hope Deferred: No Release After Ransom
Despite promptly delivering the ransom to the kidnappers, the community has yet to see any of the abducted individuals returned. More than two months have passed since the abduction, and the anguish continues to mount.
“We handed over the money immediately, but none of our people have come back,” Sambo expressed with deep sorrow.
Appeal for Government Intervention and Support
The elders have made their plight public, uncertain if the Kaduna State Government or the Lere Local Government Council has been fully informed. Sambo appealed directly to Governor Uba Sani and federal authorities for urgent action to secure the release of the captives and to provide emergency food aid to the starving community.
“While we appreciate the efforts of the local police, who have visited us multiple times, the situation remains critical. Our people are trapped in captivity, and those left behind are suffering from hunger and fear,” he said.
Context and Broader Implications
This incident reflects a growing trend of violent kidnappings in Nigeria’s northern regions, where banditry has escalated sharply. According to recent data from the Nigeria Security Tracker, kidnappings increased by over 30% in 2025 compared to the previous year, severely impacting rural communities’ safety and livelihoods.
Similar communities have faced comparable crises, such as the abduction of over 20 villagers in Zamfara State last year, underscoring the urgent need for comprehensive security reforms and community support programs.
The Gidan Waya community’s ordeal highlights the complex challenges of combating banditry while addressing the humanitarian fallout, including food shortages and psychological trauma among affected populations.
