By Editor
Eight residents abducted by suspected bandits in Awon community, Kachia Local Government Area of Kaduna State, have reportedly died in captivity, six months after their abduction.
The victims include a mother, her two daughters, a newborn baby, 34-year-old Yusuf Bawa, his five-year-old son and two other abductees.
The victims were among 11 residents kidnapped when bandits invaded the Awon community in Southern Kaduna on April 20, 2026.
The abductors reportedly demanded ₦300 million and 23 motorcycles as ransom, rejecting an offer of several million naira from the community. They also threatened to starve the captives until their demands were met.
One of the 11 abductees reportedly escaped, while the fate of the remaining victims has raised concerns over the prolonged captivity.
Journalist Reuben Buhari disclosed the latest development in a post on his verified X account on Thursday, October 22, revealing that the death toll included Silvia, the three-year-old daughter of Joy Samuel, who had earlier died in captivity.
According to reports, Joy died on August 28 after giving birth while being held by the abductors. Her newborn baby also died, while her 14-year-old daughter, who was kidnapped alongside her, reportedly died later after becoming critically ill.
Buhari also reported that Bawa and his five-year-old son died from illnesses and severe hunger while in captivity.
As of the time of filing this report, further details about the circumstances surrounding the deaths and the condition of the remaining abductees were not available.
