From Okwe Obi, Abuja
Some indigenes of Zamfara State, under the aegis of Zamfara North Progressive Movement, yesterday, raised the alarm over kidnapping of a District Head, Ibrahim Sarkin Fada Kasuwar daji.
The group’s Chairman, Ahmed Abubakar Birane, on behalf of the indigents, in a statement, yesterday, complained that bandits’ activities were extended to Sakajiki village, Kurya Madaro town, and Kasuwar Daji town, where the District Head, Ibrahim Sarkin Kasuwdaji, was kidnapped and ransom paid for his release.
He said during interrogation of the arrested suspects, one Hali Sidi Kaura, who has been terrorising Kaura Namoda town and its environs, including Dansadiya, was a close ally to Hali Sidi.
Birane charged 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. He, also, called on Governor Dauda Lawal and the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, to wade into the matter and ensure that the perpetrators of this crime should face the full weight of the law.
He said: “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 worried by the delay in the investigation and prosecution of those detained or granted bail in the abduction 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, 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 revocation of the bail granted to 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.”