Agaju Madugba, Katsina

Reports indicate that bandits and kidnappers operating in Safana Local Government Area of Katsina State, have abducted an INEC ad hoc staff during the presidential and National Assembly elections on Saturday.

According to the INEC Electoral Officer for the area, Sabiu Abdulkadir, the bandits picked the ad hoc staff (names withheld) on his way to his duty post at Runka ward B in the area.

According to Abdulkadir, “there were three other INEC staff in their vehicle but the kidnappers isolated the victim and abducted him and fled into the bush.

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“They did not touch any of the electoral materials they were carrying when the incident happened. The kidnappers have not made any contacts with us.”

The Katsina State Police Commissioner, Sanusi Buba, who confirmed the report, said that a suspect had been arrested in connection with the incident.

According to him, “we have effected the arrest of one person believed to be involved in the abduction saga and we are investigating the matter.”

Safana is one of the seven frontline local government areas of Katsina where kidnappers and cattle rustler hold sway. The areas share boundaries with the notorious Rugu forest, reported to be a haven for the criminal elements.