Former Kaduna Central senator, Shehu Sani, has condemned a viral video showing a suspected bandit pointing a gun at a kidnapped family comprising a mother, father and their baby in Kaduna State.

The victims were reportedly abducted on Monday, October 5, 2026, when armed men invaded Alrahus Estate in Millennium City, Kaduna State.

Reacting to the video, Sani described the incident as tragic, unfortunate and condemnable, expressing concern over what he described as the growing exploitation of kidnapping and banditry for political purposes.

In a statement posted on his X handle on Monday, the former lawmaker recalled previous mass kidnappings in Kaduna State, including the abductions of students from Greenfield University, the Federal College of Forestry Mechanisation and Bethel Baptist High School.

“The viral video of a ‘bandit’ pointing a gun at a kidnapped Kaduna mother, father and a small baby is tragic, unfortunate and condemnable,” he said.

Sani expressed concern that the suspected kidnapper had allegedly demanded ₦300 million from the family while sharing footage of the victims on social media.

He argued that such videos could be used to provoke public outrage, generate sympathy and attract political support, warning that banditry could increasingly become a tool for political mobilisation.

“The exploitation of kidnapping and the weaponisation of banditry for political ends through footages like that are likely to be more frequent these days. Bandits criminality is now factored as a political strategy,” he stated.

The former senator urged security agencies to intensify efforts to secure the release of the abducted family.

However, Sani also said security in Kaduna State had improved compared with previous years, attributing the progress to efforts by the state government.

He maintained that the authorities must continue working to address kidnapping and banditry and ensure the safe return of the hostages.