The Shocking Story of a Kidnapping Victim in Kaduna (Part 1)
The victim said: They had detailed information about me. Before kidnapping me, they told me they had spent six weeks gathering intelligence on my movements. They also claimed that the Kaduna State Government withdraws money every month to distribute to bandit camps. However, according to them, only about 1% reaches their group in exchange for stopping attacks along the Kaduna-Abuja Expressway.
He said he was kidnapped on July 16 and arrived at their camp on July 19. Towards the end of July 2024, he witnessed their leader being taken away and later returning in the evening with bags of rice, spaghetti, cartons of noodles, and bundles of cash.
According to him, the leader ordered his men to wake him up and prepare what he called "government food" for him to see, saying:
"They know you speak on radio programs, so see for yourself what the government gives us."
The victim further claimed that the gang leader boasted that they could stop up to 200 vehicles within 30 minutes and that, during major operations, they sometimes abduct hundreds of innocent Nigerians.
He recounted several disturbing incidents he witnessed. One person was allegedly k6lled while attempting to escape. The following day, another captive was shot after the kidnappers initially claimed he was too poor to pay a ransom. He also said that a man whose three children had been kidnapped paid part of the ransom. Two of the children were released, but the third was reportedly beaten to deæth while the kidnappers recorded a video.
The victim said the camp had a steady supply network, claiming that most suppliers were Hausa traders who provided food, petrol, and other necessities. According to him, kidnapping had become a highly organized criminal enterprise, with people supplying food, hard drugs, alcohol, and even ice blocks throughout the day because the profits were extremely high.
He added:
"We trekked for three days through the forests around Rijana before reaching their camp. It is an experience I will never forget. I would not wish anyone, even my worst enemy to fall into the hands of kidnappers."