A clergyman has revealed how a pregnant woman abducted by bandits in Kaduna State gave birth while in captivity before regaining freedom after a ransom payment estimated at ₦77 million.
The victim, identified as Mrs Love Marcus from Gidan Waya community in Lere Local Government Area, was reportedly kidnapped during an attack on her community in which her husband was killed.
Her story was shared during a victims’ support and trauma counselling programme held in Kaduna for survivors of kidnapping and violent attacks across the state.
The two-day programme, titled “The Rod and the Staff,” was organised by the Christian Awareness Initiative of Nigeria in collaboration with Palace Alliance at ECWA Kaduna South DCC in Angwan Yelwa.
Speaking on her behalf, Rev. Fr. Yakubu Jerry of the Catholic Diocese of Kafanchan said the heavily pregnant woman was abducted alongside other residents after armed men invaded the community.
According to him, the victims were forced to trek through forests under harsh conditions, with Mrs Marcus allegedly beaten repeatedly whenever she struggled to keep pace due to her pregnancy.
He explained that ransom negotiations lasted several weeks, with the abductors initially collecting about ₦40 million before demanding additional payments. Combined with other expenses, families reportedly spent nearly ₦77 million before the victims were released.
The cleric also disclosed that two captives died during the ordeal, while Mrs Marcus gave birth inside the bandits’ camp before eventually regaining freedom.
Following their release, the victims were taken for medical treatment and trauma counselling, although Mrs Marcus is still said to be battling emotional pain over the death of her husband while raising a child born during captivity.
The Executive Director of the Christian Awareness Initiative of Nigeria, Rev. Joseph Hayab, said the programme was organised to provide emotional and spiritual support for victims of insecurity across Kaduna State.
He also stressed that insecurity continues to affect farming, businesses, and livelihoods in many rural communities, urging Nigerians, security agencies, and religious bodies to work together toward restoring peace.
