•Tinubu
Indigenes of Birnin-Gwari in Kaduna State and neighboring communities in Niger State have appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to intervene and rescue two District Heads from the communities who were abducted by terrorists and have been in captivity for over 4 months.
In a letter to the President by the Birnin-Gwari-Niger Inter-boundary Community Union for Peace and Development (BGNI-CUPD), signed by the Chairman, Ishaq Usman Kasai, the people stated that the bandits have collected over N100million as ransom from their families of 2 kidnapped District Heads in Kaduna and Niger States, and still hold them hostage, reports Vanguard.
They stated in the letter which was made available to journalists, that despite the painful and crushing ransom of about N100 million paid in ransom to the bandits, the District Heads remained trapped in the clutches of the ruthless perpetrators, with no end in sight to their ordeal.
“The hoodlums are still demanding additional tens of millions and about 15 Honda motorcycles worth over N30 million naira.As of now, both Districts heads who are kept in the same camp, have been in captivity for about 4 months and are very ill to the extent they are unable to walk or sit due to torture and being tied in their legs to prevent escape.
“The pain and suffering of the District Heads’ families cannot be overstated. Their wives, children, and loved ones are left to endure an agonizing wait, with no hope of their dear ones being returned to them. The emotional toll is immense, and it is hard to imagine the depth of their despair and desperation.As we plead for help, we are reminded that our leaders have a sacred responsibility to ensure the safety and security of all citizens. It is imperative that they take immediate action to rescue our District Heads and others like them who are being held captive by these bandits.
“We urge President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Dakaren Birnin-Gwari through the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu (NSA) to intervene and bring an end to this reign of terror. We cannot emphasise enough the gravity of this situation and the need for urgent action. We implore you to mobilize additional security forces to Kaduna/Niger/Zamfara inter-boundary axis connecting the notorious forests where these bandits operate freely with impunity. “This is to ensure that our communities can once again live in peace and harmony for development. We beg you to use your authority to rescue our District Heads and restore hope to our communities.
“We are confident that your intervention will bring relief to our suffering communities and restore confidence in your leadership. We anxiously await your response and pray that you will take swift action to address this worrisome situation,” they pleaded.
It could be recalled that Traditional Ruler, Alhaji Sani Adamu Shekarau, District Head of Kakangi of Birnin-Gwari Local Government Area of Kaduna State has been held captive by armed bandits for a staggering four months now.
He was abducted on Thursday 2nd May, 2024 together with a Village Head of Kisaya just about three Km away from their Palaces on their way to a burial rite in Sabon-Layi Community.
In another tragedy, the District Head from a neighboring community Alhaji Abdullahi Usman, the District Head of Kotonkoro of Mariga Local Government Area of Niger State, along with his wife and son were also abducted on May 31, 2024 while inspecting his farm.
The two District Heads were confirmed to have been kidnapped by a terrorist group led by one Kachalla Mallam Halilu and Kachalla Gudale that operate along Niger/ Kaduna/Zamfara states boundaries.
”These bandits groups precisely operate around Dogon Dawa and kurigi Mai Dawa villages of Niger State, in Mariga Local Government Area in Niger State and Sangeko in Maru Local Government Area of Zamfara State. They operate in this area with high level of impunity,” they said.
Meanwhile, the Overseeing Commissioner of Internal Security and Home Affairs in Kaduna State, Samuel Aruwan has said that troops neutralized eight bandits in Birnin Gwari Local government area and recovered ams, ammunition and motorcycles .
“According to operational feedback to the Kaduna State Government, the troops commenced the fighting patrol to Kampanin Doka general area, and on arrival at the location, made contact with bandits.”
“The troops promptly engaged, and neutralized seven of the bandits. On securing and searching the area, the troops recovered the following: Three AK-47 rifles – Eight AK-47 magazines; four empty and four loaded with a total of 120 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition – One magazine carrier- Six motorcycles – Three mobile phones- Two Baofeng radio sets and Three pairs of civilian clothes.
“During the concluding leg of the patrol, further contact was made with bandits around Gayam general area. The troops neutralized one, as others were suspected to have escaped with gunshot wounds.”
“The Governor of Kaduna State, Senator Uba Sani, thanked the security forces for the feedback and commended the troops – under the leadership of the General Officer Commanding, 1 Division Nigerian Army/Commander Operation Whirl Punch (OPWP) Major General MLD Saraso – for their valiant efforts and notable breakthrough.”
“Citizens are urged to report suspicious persons seeking treatment for gunshot injuries to the Security Operations Room on the phone lines 09034000060 and 08170189999.Fighting patrols will continue within the general area and other locations of interest,” Aruwan stated.
