Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Gabriel Osa
Sabon-Birni, Sokoto State – 4 December 2025 – After enduring 98 harrowing days in captivity, Hamisu, a resident of Mashaya community in Sabon-Birni Local Government Area, has regained his freedom. His release, which occurred on Wednesday morning in Marnona town, Wurno LGA, comes amid an escalating wave of violence and kidnappings across northern Nigeria.
Hamisu was abducted nearly four months ago alongside his brother and his brother’s wife. While his brother managed to escape earlier, his sister-in-law tragically died in captivity, leaving Hamisu alone in the hands of his captors. Katsina-based security expert Malam Bakatsine described his release: “A driver quietly brought the frail and trembling man into town, ending a harrowing period marked by fear, violence and uncertainty.”
Residents of Mashaya expressed a mixture of relief and sorrow, celebrating Hamisu’s survival while mourning the lives lost and demanding accountability for the kidnapping. Witnesses noted that he appeared physically and emotionally exhausted, reflecting the severe trauma of his ordeal.
Hamisu’s case highlights the broader insecurity plaguing Nigeria. According to Amnesty International, at least 10,217 people have been killed by armed groups since the current administration took office two years ago. Thousands of families have been displaced across northern and Middle Belt states, deepening an already critical humanitarian crisis.
The international community has also raised concerns. U.S. lawmakers recently warned President Bola Tinubu that Washington could hold him accountable for ongoing attacks targeting Christians, describing the killings as “religious cleansing.” In response, the U.S. government has announced visa restrictions for Nigerians implicated in violations of religious freedom, particularly those connected to attacks on Christian communities.
Observers note that the repeated kidnappings in Sokoto State and surrounding regions reflect a widening security vacuum. Despite promises from authorities, local communities continue to bear the brunt of violence, with limited confidence in protective measures. The humanitarian toll, coupled with international scrutiny, underscores the urgent need for strategic interventions to restore safety and public trust.
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