The father of the abducted bride in Chacho village, Wurno Local Government Area of Sokoto State, has confirmed that the gunmen who attacked the community on Sunday have established contact with the family.
Malam Umaru Chacho, speaking to journalists, including a Channels Television crew, on Monday, said that although the kidnappers reached out, they had not made any ransom demand.
Instead, they insisted on speaking directly with the community’s traditional ruler.
“They have contacted us but have not asked for money,” he said.
“They only said they want to speak with the traditional ruler. We are pleading with the government and security agencies to intervene before the situation gets worse.”
The attack, which occurred around midnight, left thirteen villagers kidnapped, including the bride, her bridesmaid, two male relatives and nine other women.
According to Chacho, the assailants stormed the family compound immediately after entering the village, heading straight into the bride’s room.
“They came directly to the house and entered the room where my daughter was,” he narrated. “They asked for her and her bridesmaid. We still don’t know whether they came specifically for her.”
Naijaonpoint reports that during the invasion, one person, believed to be the bride’s brother, was shot and critically wounded.
Due to the absence of a medical facility in Chacho, the victim was rushed to a distant community for treatment.
Residents say Sunday’s incident marks almost the tenth bandit raid on Chacho village in the last five years. Over 30 villagers have been killed in recurring attacks, leaving the community traumatised and on edge.
Despite its sizable population, Chacho lacks essential infrastructure, a situation locals say has worsened their hardship and left them more vulnerable to security threats.
“We are living in fear every day,” a resident said. “No hospital, no security presence. We are suffering.”
© 2025 Naijaonpoint, a division of NOP Media Inc. Contact us via [email protected]