Sixteen persons, including a bride, who were abducted when gunmen attacked a wedding convoy in Tafawa Balewa Local Government Area of Bauchi State, have regained their freedom after spending 57 days in captivity.
The victims were released after their families and members of the community reportedly raised nearly N25 million, which was paid as ransom to secure their freedom.
The abduction reportedly occurred on January 10, 2026, during a wedding ceremony involving the family of Malam Abubakar Santuraki Ubandoman Lim in Gwammadaji town, Dull B Ward of Tafawa Balewa LGA.
According to a statement issued on March 8 by Bakiru Hassan Maga Takadda on behalf of the Gwammadaji Community Development Association, the incident occurred when the wedding convoy escorting the bride to Dogo Yeli in Bachama Ward of Karim Lamido Local Government Area of Taraba State was ambushed by armed kidnappers along the route.
The attackers reportedly abducted about 16 persons, including the bride, members of the bridal escort and friends of the groom.
The victims were said to be indigenes of Gwammadaji, Wurno and Burga communities in Tafawa Balewa LGA of Bauchi State.
The association said the incident threw the affected families and the entire community into fear and emotional distress, as the victims remained in captivity for nearly two months under difficult and uncertain conditions.
“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.
The community said it received sympathy, encouragement and prayers from individuals, religious leaders, community organisations and concerned citizens across different parts of the country during the period.
However, the community lamented that no government official, security personnel or political representatives visited the affected families or the community during the period of the incident.
It also called for stronger security measures along major highways and inter-state routes to prevent similar attacks and ensure the safety of travellers.
Bride, 15 others regain freedom after 57 days in kidnappers’ den
