Bandits Abduct 8 Women in Rarah Village, Demand N20m Ransom

Armed attackers abducted eight women from Rarah village in Sokoto State’s Rabah Local Government Area in the early hours of Wednesday, according to local reports. The victims include pregnant women and a nursing mother, highlighting the vulnerability of civilians in the region’s ongoing security crisis.

The Daily Trust reported that the assault occurred at approximately 1:00 a.m. when assailants stormed the community and operated for nearly an hour before taking the captives to an unknown location. One woman was released shortly after the attackers departed. A relative of some victims, speaking on condition of anonymity, stated that Rarah village has faced repeated violence in recent weeks. He detailed a prior raid approximately five weeks ago where bandits killed three residents and abducted 18 people, including a two-month-old infant. Among those taken were 12 women, several pregnant, five men, and the infant.

The source further alleged that the latest kidnappers have contacted families of the abducted, demanding a ransom of 20 million Nigerian naira (approximately $25,000) for each victim’s release. He emphasized the severe economic hardship faced by the families, noting that many struggle to afford basic sustenance. “Up till now, those abducted over five weeks ago are still in captivity. The bandits insisted on N20 million before they can regain their freedom. Some of the parents of the victims cannot even afford a decent meal,” he said.

This pattern of mass abduction for ransom, often targeting women and children, has become a persistent threat in northwest Nigeria. The high financial demands juxtaposed with the poverty of the affected communities underscore a deepening humanitarian and security challenge.

When contacted, the spokesperson for the Sokoto State Police Command, Ahmad Rufai, confirmed the incident but stated that authorities have not yet verified the exact number of people abducted. “We are aware of the attack,” Rufai said, adding that investigations are ongoing.

The incident in Rarah village points to the continued volatility in parts of Sokoto and neighboring states, where armed groups frequently carry out raids on communities. With previous abductees still in captivity and new demands emerging, the situation raises urgent questions about the capacity of local security forces to protect residents and negotiate safe returns. Families await resolution amid fears of prolonged captivity and the steep ransoms imposed by the attackers.