Bride, 15 others regain freedom after 57 days in kidnappers’ den
Sixteen Abducted Individuals, Including Bride, Released After 57 Days in Captivity
TAFAWA BALEWA, Nigeria — Sixteen individuals, including a bride, who were abducted during a wedding convoy in the Tafawa Balewa Local Government Area of Bauchi State, have been freed after spending 57 days in captivity.
Their release came after families and community members raised nearly N25 million, which was reportedly paid as ransom.
The abduction took place on January 10, 2026, during a wedding ceremony for the family of Malam Abubakar Santuraki Ubandoman Lim in Gwammadaji town, Dull B Ward, Tafawa Balewa LGA. The victims were ambushed by armed kidnappers while escorting the bride to Dogo Yeli in the Karim Lamido Local Government Area of Taraba State.
The abducted group consisted of the bride, members of her escort, and friends of the groom, all of whom are residents of Gwammadaji, Wurno, and Burga communities within Tafawa Balewa LGA.
A statement issued on March 8 by Bakiru Hassan Maga Takadda, representing the Gwammadaji Community Development Association, described the emotional toll the incident had on families and the broader community. “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 said.
During the ordeal, the community received messages of sympathy and support from individuals, religious leaders, and organizations nationwide. However, the association expressed disappointment that no government officials, security personnel, or political representatives visited during this challenging period.
The community has called for enhanced security measures along major highways and inter-state routes to prevent future incidents and ensure the safety of travelers.
