By Sxteen persons, including a bride, who were abducted when gunmen attacked a wedding convoy in Tafawa Balewa Local Government Area of Bauchi State have regained their freedom after spending 57 days in captivity.
Their release reportedly followed the payment of nearly N25 million raised by families and members of their community as ransom to the kidnappers.
The victims were kidnapped on January 10, 2026, during a wedding ceremony involving the family of Malam Abubakar Santuraki Ubandoman Lim in Gwammadaji town, Dull B Ward of Tafawa Balewa LGA.
In a statement issued on March 8 by Bakiru Hassan Maga Takadda on behalf of the Gwammadaji Community Development Association, the victims were abducted when gunmen ambushed a convoy escorting the bride to Dogo Yeli in Bachama Ward of Karim Lamido Local Government Area of Taraba State.
According to the statement, the attackers abducted about 16 persons, including the bride, members of the bridal escort and friends of the groom.
The victims were identified as indigenes of Gwammadaji, Wurno and Burga communities in Tafawa Balewa Local Government Area of Bauchi State.
The association said the abduction plunged the affected families and the entire community into fear and emotional distress, as the victims remained in captivity for nearly two months under harsh and uncertain conditions.
“For 57 painful days, families, relatives and well-wishers lived in deep anxiety while continuing to pray and hope for their safe return,” the statement read.
The community also acknowledged the sympathy, encouragement and prayers received from individuals, religious leaders, community organisations and concerned citizens across the country during the period of the victims’ captivity.
However, the association expressed concern that no government official, security personnel or political representatives visited the affected families or the community throughout the ordeal.
It therefore called on authorities to strengthen security along major highways and inter-state routes to prevent similar attacks and ensure the safety of travellers.
