‘I Don’t Want My Hand Cut Off’: Abducted Kaduna Man Zakka Begs For Help As Right Hand Swells In Captivity
A Kaduna State man, Ahmed Abubakar Zakka, who was abducted alongside his wife and their six-month-old daughter, has made an emotional appeal for urgent assistance after his right hand became swollen and numb while in the custody of armed kidnappers.
Zakka, a resident of Alrahus Estate in Millennium City, Chikun Local Government Area of Kaduna State, was seen in a distressing video pleading with relatives, friends and members of the public to help secure his family’s release and prevent further harm to his health.
In the footage, the abducted man reportedly raised his swollen right hand to show the condition of the affected limb. He explained that his captors had tied his hands tightly with a rope, leaving him experiencing numbness and swelling.
Expressing fear that the condition could worsen, Zakka appealed for immediate intervention, saying he did not want his hand to be cut off. His statement reflected his concern about the possible consequences of remaining without medical attention while in captivity.
“Please, I’m seeking help from my relatives and friends because of how tightly they tied my hand. See how my hand has become. Please help me, I don’t want my hand to be cut off,” he said in the video, according to the report.
The latest appeal has intensified concerns over the family’s welfare and the conditions under which they are being held. However, there has been no confirmed medical assessment establishing the extent of the injury or whether amputation is medically necessary.
Zakka was abducted with his wife and their infant daughter during an attack on their residence in Millennium City in early October. Reports indicated that armed men invaded Alrahus Estate at night, moving through the area before taking the family away.
The incident has drawn widespread concern because the victims include a six-month-old baby. In an earlier video circulated publicly, Zakka was seen holding his daughter while his wife sat beside him, with an armed man pointing a rifle at him and threatening his life.
During that earlier appeal, Zakka identified himself and pleaded for assistance, explaining that the kidnappers were demanding ₦300 million for the release of the family. The amount represents a substantial financial burden, and the family has appealed for help to secure their safe return.
According to relatives quoted in earlier reports, Zakka and his wife had waited six years after their marriage before welcoming their daughter, Fatima. The family’s abduction has therefore caused particular distress among relatives and people who have followed their appeals for help.
The latest video has further raised fears about Zakka’s physical condition, particularly because prolonged pressure from tight bindings can cause injury and interfere with circulation. Without a medical examination, however, the precise cause and severity of the swelling cannot be determined.
The case has also renewed attention on repeated kidnappings in Millennium City and surrounding communities in Kaduna State. Residents in the area have previously reported attacks, abductions and threats by armed groups, prompting calls for stronger security operations and better protection for vulnerable neighbourhoods.
Amnesty International Nigeria has condemned the worsening insecurity and reported daylight abductions in the Millennium City area. The organisation has expressed concern about the effect of persistent attacks on residents, including families who have been forced to live in fear or consider leaving their homes.
The abduction of Zakka and his family has also attracted reactions from political figures. Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar called on security agencies to act swiftly to secure the release of the family and other Nigerians held in captivity. Mohammed Bello El-Rufai, the lawmaker representing Kaduna North Federal Constituency, has also expressed concern over recurring kidnappings in the area and urged authorities to take decisive action.
The incident has placed renewed pressure on the Kaduna State Government, the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies to intensify efforts to locate the captives, establish contact with their abductors where possible and secure the family’s safe release. Authorities also face the broader challenge of preventing further attacks in communities affected by kidnapping.
As of October 15, 2026, reports had not confirmed the family’s release, and the full medical condition of Zakka’s right hand remained unclear. The reported ransom demand and the latest appeal underscore the urgency of efforts to locate the victims and ensure that they receive appropriate medical attention.
Street News Reporters will continue to monitor developments surrounding the abduction, including any official response from the Kaduna State Police Command, updates on the family’s condition and efforts by security agencies to secure the safe release of Ahmed Abubakar Zakka, his wife and their infant daughter.
