A Sokoto bride and 12 other victims abducted by bandits in Chacho village, Wurno Local Government Area of Sokoto State, have regained their freedom after a ransom of ₦9 million and two brand-new motorcycles was paid.
The victims, who included the bride’s bridesmaids, were kidnapped on November 30, 2025, when armed bandits invaded the rural community just days before the scheduled wedding ceremony.
During the attack, two elderly men were also abducted, one of whom was an Islamic school teacher.
A resident of Chacho, who confirmed the development to our correspondent, said the victims were released on Monday in Isa Local Government Area of the state.
“The bandits demanded ₦9 million and two new motorcycles, and these were handed over before they released the captives,” the resident said.
He, however, disclosed that the Islamic school teacher did not survive the ordeal.
“Unfortunately, the Islamic school teacher was killed while in captivity. We later went to Isa Local Government Area to receive the released victims, and they are currently undergoing treatment at a hospital in Isa town,” he added.
The source lamented the worsening security situation in the area, calling for divine intervention.
“We pray for Almighty Allah’s intervention because the situation appears to be beyond the capacity of the government,” he said.
Chacho village, like many communities in eastern Sokoto, has witnessed repeated attacks by armed bandits in recent years. Residents say the absence of a permanent security presence has left them exposed, forcing families to rely on ransom payments and self-help efforts to secure the release of abducted relatives.
