Pregnant woman abducted in Plateau gives birth in captivity after bandits murdered husband

A heavily pregnant woman who was abducted by gunmen, along with her daughter, in Kyaram community in Garga district of Kanam Local Government Area of Plateau State, has reportedly given birth while in captivity after hearing that the gunmen had killed her husband.

The National Secretary of Kanam Development Association (KADA), Shehu Kanam, who disclosed this in a statement made available to journalists in Jos on Monday, said the traumatised woman gave birth prematurely after learning of the killing of her husband, Umar Rufa’i.

Kanam said the kidnappers stormed the family’s home in the early hours of Sunday, where they shot Rufa’i dead before whisking the pregnant woman and her daughter to an unknown destination.

He added that a few hours after the abduction, the kidnappers called the relatives of the woman to inform them that she had given birth to a baby.

“We are shocked and saddened by the brutal killing of Umar at his residence in Kyaram community, Garga area of Kanam Local Government Area, on January 17, 2026, around midnight. The bandits also abducted his wife and daughter, who are still in captivity,” Kanam said.

“We condemn this heinous act and express our deepest condolences to the bereaved family and the entire Kyaram community. Rufai was buried according to Islamic rites on Sunday, 18th January 2026.

“The report we received this morning is that the bandits called and informed the family that the wife of the deceased gave birth today while in captivity. This is very heartbreaking, imagine the condition through which she delivered,” the statement added.

Kanam lamented that the Garga district had been plagued by banditry and kidnapping, with frequent reports of killings and abductions. At the same time, the government and security agencies have not been able to curb the rising cases of abductions in the area.

“Despite our appeals to the government, the situation remains unchanged. We urge the authorities to take immediate action to address this crisis.“