Terrorists kill three, kidnap 25 in Kaduna, Niger

Bauchi ex-gov’s family members regain freedom 14 days after

Terrorists have invaded Birnin-Gwari Local Council of Kaduna State, where they killed three persons, wounded others and went away with 13.

The armed bandits, whose number is difficult ascertain, rode on motorcycles, shooting sporadically for about an hour in Damari town of Kazage Ward in Birnin-Gwari. Hashimu Dan-Daura, Nazifi Adamu and Alhaji Dangude were listed as the deceased.

The Guardian gathered that the invaders struck on Monday and returned the following day about 6:00pm to loot shops, without resistance from the security forces.

Chairman of Birnin-Gwari Emirate Progressive Union (BEPU), Ishaq Kassai, said that following series of attack, residents continued to flee the community for safety.

At the time of filing this report, there was no comment from either the state government or the police, as the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Mohammed Jalige, could not be reached for reaction.

SIMILARLY, gunmen have kidnapped 12 persons in Shadadi community, Mariga Local Council of Niger State. The victims comprise married women and children.

The incident added to the pains of innocent Niger indigenes and residents, particularly those in communities that share boundary with Zamfara and Kaduna states, in the hands of bandits.

A resident, Danlami Shadadi, confirmed to The Guardian, yesterday, that bandits, in their numbers, stormed the community with sophisticated weapons about 1:00am on Monday, July 2, 2022 and abducted the victims.

Also, the Chairman, Mariga Local Council, Abbas Garba, revealed that his administration had recruited local hunters that would storm the forest and rescue the victims.

Meanwhile, the police have promised to investigate the attack, even as the Commissioner of Police, Monday Kuryas, said the command was yet to confirm it.

In another development, the police have disclosed the arrest of a notorious bandit, identified as Bashir Abdullahi, from Bangi community of Mariga, who would kill his victims after collecting ransom. Kuryas described Abdullahi as a notorious bandit and an informant to criminals.

FOURTEEN days after their kidnap, the family members of former Governor Adamu Mua’zu of Bauchi State have regained their freedom.

The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), SP Ahmed Wakil, confirmed to newsmen that the victims were all released and taken to the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital (ATBUTH) for medical attention. Police and family sources did not reveal whether ransom was paid or not before their release.

The bandits, on July 13, 2022, had killed 25-year-old Mua’zu Danladi and abducted Hajiya Asma’u (the ex-governor’s sister), Malama Halima Abdullahi and Nura.

A family member said that they had been released while thanking God for intervening.

“After 14 traumatic days in captivity, the Almighty Allah, who is the way maker, miracle worker and light in the darkness, has again answered the numerous prayers of the faithful and granted them freedom from their captives,” said the source that pleaded anonymity.

According to the relatives, following a negotiated release, the victims have commenced necessary medical examination and trauma therapy in the hospital.