Bandits in Zamfara are threatening to forcefully marry off four female captives, one of whom is a student from Zamfara State College of Arts and Science.

These young women were abducted by the bandits six months ago while returning from a wedding on the Birnin Magaji-Kaura Namoda Road.

The captors have issued a chilling ultimatum, demanding a N12 million ransom from their parents within one week, failing which they intend to proceed with the forced marriages.

In a distressing video lasting two minutes and 19 seconds, the victims, identified as Ummukhair, Aisha Yahaya, Jemila Yahaya, and Ummu Sani, pleaded with their parents to gather the necessary funds to secure their freedom from the clutches of their abductors.

They expressed disappointment in the previous government, particularly Governor Bello Matawalle’s administration, for failing to secure their release during their prolonged captivity.

Now, they are turning to the current administration led by Governor Dauda Lawal, hoping for a more positive outcome.

According to Aminu Yahaya, an elder brother of one of the captives, six girls were originally kidnapped, but two were released after a ransom of N6 million was paid.

Nevertheless, the remaining captives are facing an even higher ransom demand, and the consequences of non-compliance are dire – a forced marriage against their will.

In this distressing situation, the victims’ families are appealing to both the state government and fellow citizens to come to their aid.

The gravity of the situation necessitates immediate action to rescue these young women from the horrifying fate that awaits them if the ransom is not paid promptly.