Uba Sani pledges home and medical care for freed Kaduna family

Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani has promised a new home, full medical cover and counselling for a couple and their six-month-old daughter who were held by kidnappers for nine days.

The governor met Ahmed Zakka, his wife Nafisah and baby Fatima on Tuesday at a government safe house in Kaduna, where they are staying after being treated in hospital.

The family was seized on 6 October from their home in Alrahus Estate, Millennium City, in Chikun Local Government Area.

Their case drew national attention after a video spread online showing Mr Zakka holding his crying daughter while an armed man pointed a rifle at him. In the footage, his wife was seen begging for help and Mr Zakka said the abductors wanted ₦300 million.

They were released on 15 October. It is still not clear what led to their freedom, including whether any ransom was paid.

What the governor promised

According to the governor, the state will give the family a home, settle their medical bills and provide ongoing psychological and social support so they can rebuild their lives.

Sani said their experience showed the human cost of insecurity and that his government would keep working with security agencies and communities to fight banditry.

He thanked President Bola Tinubu for his interest in the family's safety, and commended National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu and the security agencies for their role in securing the release.

The governor said Mr Zakka thanked the federal and Kaduna State governments and the security agencies for their efforts.

The family's ordeal has renewed worry about safety in Millennium City and nearby communities, where residents have faced repeated kidnapping fears.

What happens next

The family will remain at the safe house while they recover. The state has not said when the promised home will be ready or how much the medical and counselling support will cost.