•Safiyanu Isa Andaha
The chairman of Akwanga local government area of Nasarawa State, Safiyanu Isa Andaha has been kidnapped by gunmen.
Our correspondent gathered that the frontline council chairman was kidnapped alongside his political godfather Adamu Umar Custom at Bingo village in Akwanga on the evening of yesterday, Monday January 1, reports The Nation.
The two political figures from Akwanga local government were traveling together in a vehicle without a driver and security personnel when assailants reportedly emerged from the bushes, abducting the victims and transporting them to an unknown location.
Confirming the incident, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Haruna Kassimu said the two politicians were abducted at about 8:30 pm on New Year’s Day.
He explained further that security agencies had responded swiftly by chasing after the gunmen who forcefully fled with the council chairman to an unknown destination.
The state police public relations officer, DSP Ramhan Nansel said the police in collaboration with other security agencies were on the trail of the kidnappers to ensure the release of the council chairman and his political godfather.
The PPRO said the police commissioner in the state, Umar Nadada had already mobilised personnel to pursue the hoodlums and ensure the safe release of the kidnapped chairman.
Speaking exclusively to our correspondent, the special adviser to the governor on political matters, Kassim Mohammad Kassim, who equally hails from Akwanga local government, condemned the barbaric act, noting that the youths should resist taking human beings for money.
Kassim said no religion allows the youths to trade human beings for money, and pray for the safety of the council chairman, he called on security agencies to ensure that the council chairman is released unhurt.
An unconfirmed report from a close aide to one of the abductees revealed that the abduction was not unconnected with the local government elections coming up later this year, noting that it was “politically motivated.”
Hon Andaha became the chairman of the council after the death of late Emmanuel Joseph Laweh who was originally elected the council chairman alongside Hon Andaha as his deputy. Still, Hon Laweh died suddenly three months after their inauguration.
Hon Andaha who has been the council chairman for over two years is planning to seek another tenure in August 2024.
