Some Zamfara State indigenes, led by the Zamfara North Progressive Movement, raised the alert yesterday about the kidnapping of District Head Ibrahim Sarkin Fada Kasuwar daji.
In a statement issued yesterday, the group’s Chairman, Ahmed Abubakar Birane, on behalf of the indigents, complained that bandits’ activities had spread to Sakajiki village, Kurya Madaro town, and Kasuwar Daji town, where the District Head, Ibrahim Sarkin Kasuwdaji, had been kidnapped and a ransom paid for his release.
According to him, during the interrogation of the apprehended suspects, one Hali Sidi, Kaura, who has been terrorising Kaura Namoda town and its surroundings, Dansadiya was a close ally.
Birane charged the Police Command’s State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) with expediting the investigation and prosecution of criminals in order to deter others.
He also urged Governor Dauda Lawal and the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, to investigate the incident and ensure that the perpetrators of this crime suffer the full weight of the law.
He stated: “The Zamfara North Progressive Movement is alarmed by the spate of armed banditry, killing of innocent citizens, and kidnapping for ransom in Zamfara State and urges the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) of the Police Command to expedite action in the investigation and prosecution of suspects to serve as a deterrent to others who may wish to commit such heinous crimes against humanity.”
“We are particularly concerned about the delay in investigating and prosecuting individuals imprisoned or granted bail in the kidnapping of a District Head, Alhaji Ibrahim Sarkin Fada Kasuwar Daji, by armed bandits.
“The district head was in captivity for more than six months and was released after his son, a former State House of Assembly member, Hon. Anas Ibrahim S/Fada paid ransom.
“We call on Police authorities not to spare anybody found wanting in the course of investigation no matter how highly placed.
“We demand the revoke of the bail granted the member State House of Assembly until investigation is completed. Banditry and kidnapping are serious offences.
“It is inappropriate to release anybody allegedly involved in kidnapping because of his political affiliation.
We also appeal to Governor Dauda Lawal and the Inspector General of Police to wade into the matter and ensure that the perpetrators of this crime should face the full weight of the law.
“The good people of Zamfara State want peace and security to enable them continue their lawful business. As a progressive movement, we demand justice and safety of citizens in Zamfara State.
“We support the government and security agents in the fight against banditry, insurgency, terrorism and kidnapping for ransom or politics.”