The Birnin-Gwari-Niger Inter-boundary Community Union for Peace and Development (BGNI-CUPD) has appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for intervention in securing the release of two District Heads kidnapped by terrorists over four months ago. The kidnappers have reportedly received over N100 million in ransom but are still holding the captives, demanding additional ransom and motorcycles.
Appeal to the President: The letter to President Tinubu, signed by Ishaq Usman Kasai, Chairman of BGNI-CUPD, highlights the dire situation of the abducted District Heads and their families. The kidnappers, despite receiving significant ransom payments, continue to hold the District Heads captive and are demanding more.
Current Status of the Hostages: The District Heads, who have been in captivity for approximately four months, are reported to be in poor health due to torture and harsh conditions. They are unable to walk or sit due to being tied up and mistreated.
Financial and Material Demands: The bandits are demanding additional tens of millions of naira and about 15 Honda motorcycles worth over N30 million, further complicating the situation.
Emotional Toll: The families of the kidnapped District Heads are suffering emotionally and financially. The letter describes their situation as desperate and calls for immediate action to alleviate their suffering.
Request for Security Measures: The BGNI-CUPD has urged President Tinubu to mobilize additional security forces to the Kaduna/Niger/Zamfara inter-boundary region, where the bandits operate. They emphasize the need for increased security and decisive action to end the bandits’ reign of terror.
Historical Context: The District Head of Kakangi, Alhaji Sani Adamu Shekarau, and a Village Head of Kisaya were abducted on May 2, 2024, while on their way to a burial rite. They have been held since then, with no resolution in sight.
Urgent Action Needed: The BGNI-CUPD’s letter underscores the urgency of the situation and the critical need for the President’s intervention.
Impact on Communities: The prolonged captivity and demands from the bandits have had severe emotional and financial impacts on the affected families and communities.
Call for Enhanced Security: The request for increased security measures aims to prevent further attacks and restore peace in the region.
The BGNI-CUPD’s appeal to President Tinubu highlights the pressing need for government intervention to rescue the kidnapped District Heads and address the broader issue of banditry affecting communities in Kaduna and Niger states. The letter calls for immediate action to mitigate the suffering of the victims’ families and restore security in the region.
