By Muhammed Shaeed
August 30th, 2024
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has been appealed to by the indigenes of Birnin-Gwari in Kaduna State and neighbouring communities in Niger State to intervene and rescue two District Heads from the communities, who were abducted by terrorists and have been in captivity for four months.
The applea was contained in a letter to the President by the Birnin-Gwari-Niger Inter-boundary Community Union for Peace and Development, BGNI-CUPD, by the Chairman, Ishaq Kasai, the people said that the bandits have collected over N100million as ransom from their families of the two kidnapped District Heads in Kaduna and Niger states, and still hold on to them.
“The hoodlums are still demanding additional tens of millions and about 15 Honda motorcycles worth over N30million. As of now, both Districts heads who are kept in the same camp, have been in captivity for four months and are very ill to the extent they are unable to walk or sit due to torture and being tied in their legs to prevent escape.
The pain and suffering of the District Heads’ families cannot be overstated. Their wives, children, and loved ones are left to endure an agonizing wait, with no hope of their dear ones being returned to them. The emotional toll is immense, and it is hard to imagine the depth of their despair and desperation.
“As we plead for help, we are reminded that our leaders have a sacred responsibility to ensure the safety and security of all citizens. It is imperative that they take immediate action to rescue our District Heads and others like them, who are being held captive by these bandits.
“We urge President Tinubu, Dakaren Birnin-Gwari through the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, NSA, to intervene and bring an end to this reign of terror. We cannot emphasise enough the gravity of this situation and the need for urgent action.
“We implore you to mobilize additional security forces to Kaduna/Niger/Zamfara inter-boundary axis connecting the notorious forests, where these bandits operate freely with impunity. This is to ensure that our communities can once again live in peace and harmony for development. We beg you to use your authority to rescue our District Heads and restore hope to our communities.”