Five of 11 Victims Abducted in Sokoto Community Allegedly Regain Freedom after Payment of Ransom

Newsbuka has learnt that five of the eleven residents abducted from Takakume village in Achida ward, Wurno Local Government Area of Sokoto State, have regained freedom.
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‎Recall that last November, armed bandits reportedly attacked Chacho village near Achida in Wurno LGA, kidnapping a bride, her bridesmaids, and over 10 to 30 residents.
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‎In December 2025, the kidnappers demanded ₦20–30 million ransom for the Chacho victims.
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‎The bandits also reportedly abducted over 10 women in a similar attack in Tudun Mallam/Wurno in early January, 2026.
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‎Posting on his verified X handle on Wednesday, a security expert Bakatsine, said the release of residents abducted from Takakume village in Achida Ward, Wurno LGA, followed the payment of a ransom totaling ₦10 million and two motorcycles to the abductors.
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‎According to the post, six captives remain in detention, adding that their release raises urgent questions about the continued payment of ransom.
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‎Bakatsine added, “This case again raises urgent questions about the continued payment of ransom. If ransom payments do not guarantee the release or safety of all captives, and instead appear to finance armed bandits and enable further attacks, how long can this practice continue without worsening insecurity for already vulnerable communities?”
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‎As at the time of filing the report, authorities in Sokoto are yet to respond to the news of the release of the abducted victims.