A harrowing video circulating on social media on Thursday shows bandits mercilessly beating a man and his two young children, in what appears to be an abduction incident in Niger State, a predominantly Nupe-speaking region of Nigeria.
In the short clip, the victims are seen pleading with their abductors as the bandits demand that they “say something” while continuing to inflict blows. The children, speaking in Nupe language, cry out in pain, revealing the severity of the attack and the local origin of the incident.
The person who shared the video described the scene as a stark reminder of human cruelty, noting:
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“Humanity can be so cruel sometimes. How can human beings treat their fellow humans this way? It’s heartbreaking and difficult to understand. What makes it even more painful is that those responsible are likely from the same region, the same state, even the same communities as the victims. At times like this, it feels like only God can save this country. But we must also reflect, speak up, and demand better from ourselves and from those in authority.”
The sharer also appealed for divine protection and the safe return of the victims, particularly as the video emerged during the holy month of Ramadan.
This latest clip adds to growing concerns over the rising spate of banditry and abductions in Nigeria, particularly in the North-Central and North-West regions, and underscores urgent calls for stronger security measures and community vigilance.
Experts and human rights advocates have condemned the attack, warning that the psychological trauma inflicted on children in such incidents can have long-lasting effects, and urged authorities to intensify efforts to rescue victims and hold perpetrators accountable.