Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani has pledged to provide a house, cover all medical expenses and ensure sustained psychosocial support for Malam Ahmed Abubakar Zakka, his wife, Nafisah, and their daughter, Fatima, following their release from captivity.
The governor disclosed this after visiting the family at a Kaduna State Government safe house on Tuesday, October 20, 2026, where they are receiving medical care after being discharged from hospital.
In a post on his official X handle, Sani said he was encouraged by the family’s progress and expressed optimism about their full recovery, assuring them of continued government support beyond their immediate medical needs.
The governor described the family’s experience as a reminder of the devastating human consequences of insecurity and the responsibility of government to protect lives and restore peace across communities.
He said: “I conveyed our solidarity and assured the family that our support would extend beyond this visit. The Kaduna State Government will provide them with a home, meet all medical expenses and ensure sustained psychosocial care to help them recover, rebuild their lives and regain a sense of security.”
Sani added that the administration would prioritise the family’s wellbeing and recovery in the coming months, stressing that their rehabilitation would extend beyond physical treatment to include psychological and emotional support.
The governor expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his personal involvement and concern for the family’s safety, while also commending the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, and security agencies for their roles in securing their return.
He acknowledged the contributions of the federal government and security operatives, describing their efforts as important to the family’s safe return.
Sani said: “I sincerely thank His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for his personal engagement and concern for the family’s safety. I also commend the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, and the nation’s security agencies for their decisive contributions to securing their safe return.”
The governor’s statement did not provide further details about the circumstances of the family’s captivity or the operation that led to their release.
Sani said the family’s freedom had strengthened his administration’s determination to tackle banditry and other forms of criminal activity across Kaduna State.
He identified closer collaboration with security agencies, improved coordination among security operatives and stronger engagement with local communities as key elements of the state’s efforts to address insecurity.
According to the governor, protecting residents and restoring public confidence remain central responsibilities of his administration.
He said: “Their freedom strengthens our resolve to confront banditry and other criminality through closer cooperation with security agencies, stronger security coordination and deeper engagement with communities. Every resident deserves to live without fear, and we will continue working to fulfil that obligation.”
The governor’s remarks come amid continuing security concerns in parts of north-western Nigeria, where banditry and kidnappings have affected communities, disrupted livelihoods and forced families to endure prolonged uncertainty.
The governor also disclosed that Ahmed Abubakar Zakka had expressed gratitude to the federal and Kaduna State governments, as well as security agencies, for their coordinated efforts and support.
According to Sani, the family’s appreciation for the care they are receiving and their confidence in recovery offered encouragement as they begin the process of rebuilding their lives.
The governor reiterated that the state government would continue to stand by the family throughout their recovery, including through the provision of accommodation, medical assistance and psychosocial care.
He emphasised that the family’s welfare would remain a priority for the administration in the months ahead.
