Nigeria's Kidnapping Crisis Escalates: 13 Women & Infant Abducted in Sokoto Amidst Surging Bandit Attacks

Nigeria Grapples with Escalating Abduction Crisis as 14 Kidnapped in Sokoto

Nigeria is once again reeling from a harrowing mass abduction in its northern region. Thirteen women and an infant were violently seized during a late-night raid in Chacho village, Sokoto State, marking the latest in a relentless wave of kidnappings plaguing the West African nation. This incident underscores the deepening security challenges facing the country.

A Wedding Turned Nightmare: Bride and Bridesmaids Among Victims

The attack, which occurred overnight from Saturday to Sunday, saw armed assailants storm the village. Among the 14 individuals kidnapped were a bride and ten of her bridesmaids, celebrating what should have been a joyful occasion. A local resident, Aliyu Abdullahi, recounted the terrifying ordeal, stating, “Bandits stormed our village last night and kidnapped 14 persons, including a bride and 10 bridesmaids, from a house in Zango neighbourhood.” He further confirmed that a baby, the baby’s mother, and another woman were also taken during the raid.

Pattern of Violence and Ransom Demands

Chacho village is no stranger to such brutality. Just two months prior, in October, bandits had abducted 13 villagers, who were only released after ransom payments. Abdullahi expressed the community's despair, noting, “We had to pay ransom to secure their freedom. Now, we are faced with the same situation.” An intelligence report from Nigeria, obtained by AFP, corroborated the recent attack and highlighted a disturbing trend: Sokoto State experienced its highest number of bandit-initiated abductions in November, suggesting that efforts by neighboring states to broker peace deals with these groups may inadvertently be shifting their activities.

Wider Regional Instability and Government Response

This incident is not isolated. Northern Nigeria has become a hotspot for mass kidnappings, with armed gangs routinely targeting schools and rural communities, often overwhelming local security forces. Just last week, attackers abducted 25 students in Kebbi State, though they were later rescued. However, an ongoing search continues for over 300 students taken from Niger State. The relentless insecurity has intensified pressure on President Bola Tinubu’s administration, prompting him to declare a nationwide emergency.

International Scrutiny and Misinformation

The situation has also drawn international attention, with former U.S. President Donald Trump recently threatening intervention over purported anti-Christian violence in Nigeria. While human rights organizations are urging the Nigerian government to bolster its efforts against the unrest, experts caution against simplistic narratives, particularly debunking claims of a widespread “Christian genocide” as false and misleading.