A family in Zamfara State has appealed for urgent prayers and intervention following the continued detention of their relative, identified as Isihaka, also known as Isau, by bandits despite the payment of ₦2.5 million in ransom.
Isihaka, an indigene of Maru Local Government Area of Zamfara State, was reportedly abducted along the notorious Birnin Gwari Road in Kaduna State while travelling in search of livelihood opportunities.
According to security analyst Bakatsine, the victim had left his hometown in an effort to earn a living and provide for his wife, children, parents and other members of his extended family before he was kidnapped.
Bakatsine disclosed the development in a post on Friday, describing the circumstances surrounding the abduction and the subsequent ransom payment.
He said Isihaka’s family and friends were forced to mobilise resources despite their financial difficulties to meet the kidnappers’ demand in the hope that the payment would secure his release.
However, the victim has allegedly remained in captivity several days after the ₦2.5 million ransom was paid.
“This is Isihaka (Isau), an indigene of Maru LGA, Zamfara State, who left home to seek a living and provide for his wife, children, parents and other family members,” Bakatsine wrote.
He added that Isihaka was kidnapped by bandits along the Birnin Gwari Road in Kaduna State, noting that his relatives and friends struggled to raise the ransom demanded by his captors.
“His family and friends struggled to raise ₦2.5 million, which was paid as ransom, but his captors have still refused to release him,” he said.
Bakatsine further stated that the victim had now spent several days with the criminal group despite the ransom payment.
He also shared a photograph purportedly showing Isihaka alongside another abductee believed to be held by the same group. The two men appeared seated on the ground in a forested environment, while one of them was visibly restrained with chains around his ankles.
The development has deepened concerns over the activities of bandits operating along the Birnin Gwari axis, which has for years been associated with attacks, abductions and other violent crimes targeting travellers.
For Isihaka’s family, the situation has become increasingly desperate as their efforts to secure his freedom through the payment of ransom have so far failed.
The family is now appealing to Nigerians to pray for his safe return and for the release of other victims being held by criminal gangs across the country.
Bakatsine also expressed concern over the continuing insecurity on Nigerian highways, questioning how long innocent Nigerians would continue to be abducted while travelling in search of legitimate means of livelihood.
“How long will innocent people continue to disappear on our roads simply because they are trying to make a living?” he asked.
The case adds to the growing concerns over insecurity along the Birnin Gwari corridor, a major route that has repeatedly been affected by armed attacks and kidnappings, leaving travellers vulnerable to criminal gangs operating in the area.
As Isihaka remains in captivity despite the reported payment of ransom, his family continues to hope for urgent intervention and his safe return home.