SOKOTO — Residents and health workers in Sokoto State have been thrown into anxiety following the abduction of two staff members of Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital (UDUTH) by suspected bandits along the notorious Maru–Talata Mafara highway in Zamfara State.
The victims, identified as Malam Abdullahi of the Histopathology Department and Malam Rufae of the Microbiology Department, were reportedly travelling from Abuja to Sokoto after attending a union meeting when they were intercepted by armed men.
Family sources disclosed that the abduction occurred along the troubled Maru axis, an area widely known for recurring cases of kidnappings, ambushes, and violent attacks on travellers despite ongoing security operations in the region.
According to relatives of the victims, the kidnappers have contacted the families and demanded a ransom of N10 million each for their release, totalling N20 million.
Heightened Fears Among Commuters
The development has heightened fears among commuters and residents across the North-West, particularly frequent users of the Abuja–Sokoto route, which has become increasingly dangerous due to repeated bandit attacks.
A source close to one of the families described the situation as traumatic, saying relatives are desperately seeking intervention from security agencies and well-meaning Nigerians.
“The families are deeply distressed. The abductors have already made contact and are insisting on N10 million ransom from each family,” the source said.
Colleagues of the abducted workers also expressed shock over the incident, describing the victims as dedicated health personnel who were returning from an official assignment related to workers’ welfare.
“It is painful that health workers who devote their lives to caring for others are now victims of insecurity on our highways,” a hospital associate lamented.
Notorious Highway
The Maru–Talata Mafara road has remained one of Zamfara State’s major insecurity flashpoints, with commuters and transport operators repeatedly raising concerns over the persistent activities of armed groups operating in the area.
Efforts by security agencies to contain the situation through military offensives have yet to fully restore confidence among travellers using the route.
Confirming the incident, the spokesman of the teaching hospital, Malam Mansur Wadata, said the institution was aware of the abduction but declined further comments due to ongoing efforts involving the victims’ families and hospital management.
As of the time of filing this report, security authorities had not issued an official statement on the incident.
