The father of the bride abducted during Sunday’s night attack on Chacho village in Wurno Local Government Area of Sokoto State says the gunmen have reached out to the family but have not asked for ransom.
Speaking to journalists on Monday, including a Channels Television crew, Malam Umaru Chacho confirmed that the kidnappers made contact shortly after the incident but insisted on only one request—direct communication with the village’s traditional ruler.
“They called us but didn’t ask for money,” he explained. “They said they want to speak with the traditional ruler. We are appealing to the government and security agencies to step in before things escalate.”
Bride, Bridesmaid, and 11 Others Abducted in Midnight Raid
The attackers stormed Chacho shortly after midnight, targeting the Chacho family compound. Thirteen villagers were taken, including the bride, her bridesmaid, two male family members, and nine other women.
According to Malam Umaru, the gunmen seemed to know exactly where to go.
“They came straight into the house and went directly into the room where my daughter was,” he recounted. “They asked for her and her bridesmaid. We are not even sure if she was their main target.”
During the attack, one of the bride’s brothers was shot and critically injured. With no medical facility in the village, residents had to transport him to another community to seek urgent treatment.
A Community Under Siege
Residents say Sunday’s incident is only the latest in a long string of violent raids. Chacho has suffered nearly ten bandit attacks in the past five years, leaving over 30 people dead and many others displaced.
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Despite having a large population, the village lacks basic amenities such as healthcare centres and a security presence—conditions locals say worsen their vulnerability.
“We live in constant fear,” a resident lamented. “There is no hospital and no security in this area. Life is hard and we feel abandoned.”
