Gunmen kill four, abduct eight in Katsina, Taraba

Gunmen have killed one person, and abducted eight others in Danmusa Local Council of Katsina State.

Similarly, while security operatives are yet to douse the tension in Taraba State following the gruesome murder of two policemen, three farmers have been killed.

The Katsina killing took place at Assa village of Wukari Local Council.

Aminu Abdulwahab, the 55-year-old brother to the Permanent Secretary, Local Government Service Commission, Bello Abdulwahab, was killed yesterday morning.

He was reportedly kidnapped a few days ago and whisked away into the forest before ransom was demanded from his family members.

A local said the family managed to raise an undisclosed amount of money for the abductors. But it was learnt that the kidnappers were not satisfied with the amount, so they threatened to kill him should the balance not reach them on time.

“Despite the ransom collected, they still killed him. As I’m talking to you now, we are preparing to bury him,” the source said.

But abduction of the eight persons reportedly occurred late Monday evening, along Gajere–Mara road.

The source said that gunmen shot the tyres of a Toyota Sienna bus, which was ferrying several passengers along Gajere–Mara road. “The gunmen then selected eight persons inside the vehicle and whisked them away into the forest. They’re still there as I’m taking to you.”

He lamented frequent attacks by gunmen in the local council, which often led to loss of lives, calling on government and security agencies to help in putting a stop to insecurity in the area.

As at press time, spokesperson Police Public Relations Officer, Gambo Isah, was yet to respond to inquiry made on both incidents.

MEANWHILE, the Wukari farmers were said to be preparing their farmlands for the farming season when they were sent to their graves by the gunmen.

Confirming the report, Wukari Local Council Chairman, Dr. Daniel Adi, said the council had been under incessant security threat.

He said the local council leadership would tread every legitimate mile to fish out the perpetrators.

Pleading with the residents not take the law into their hands, as relevant paths would be trod to bring the killers to book, the council boss vowed to collaborate with security operatives to reduce crime in the area.

The police, at the time of filing this report, said they were yet to receive official report from the Divisional Police Officer (DPO).