It is now 16 days since gunmen abducted Anas Ahmed, his heavily pregnant wife Halima, and their two-year-old daughter Jidda from Canada Quarters in Katsina metropolis, and their fate remains unknown.

The kidnappers, who initially demanded N600 million, later reduced the ransom to N50 million and warned that the couple would be killed if the amount was not paid within two weeks.

That deadline expired last Friday, leaving the family only a few days to raise the funds.

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A family member said, "Since the abduction, we have been trying to meet the bandits' demands. But because of the economic hardship, it has been challenging. Still, we believe everything is in the hands of Almighty Allah; life and death are under His control."

Halima's health has become a significant concern. She was nine months pregnant when she was seized on the 29th of August, 2025, and she has already missed her expected delivery date. Doctors had earlier advised a Caesarean Section (CS) due to complications from her first pregnancy, warning that a natural birth could be fatal.

Her father, Ali Turare, said the family fears for her life: "The trauma is unbearable. Halima's due date has passed, and doctors warned that she must not be allowed to go into labour outside a hospital.

"Surgery is the only option. Her life is in danger, and we pray that Almighty Allah saves her."

Investigation revealed that both Halima and little Jidda are ill and surviving only on herbs, with no access to medical care.

As the Day-16 mark passes and the ransom deadline elapses, the family is appealing for urgent intervention from security agencies and compassionate Nigerians to help secure the release of the mother, her unborn child, and the two other captives before time runs out.