Zamfara: Don’t spare anybody involved in kidnapping, banditry – Group to Gov Lawal, SCID

The Zamfara North Progressive Movement has expressed shock over the alarming spate of armed banditry, killing of innocent citizens and kidnapping for ransom in the state.

The group is calling on 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.

This is contained in a statement signed by Ahmed Abubakar Birane, Chairman of the Zamfara North Progressive Movement,

The group said it was particularly worried by the delay in the investigation and prosecution of those detained or granted bail in the abduction of a District Head, Ibrahim Sarkin Fada Kasuwar Daji by armed bandits.

Newspot reported how the district head was kept 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.

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The police were said to have begun the investigation after an armed bandit was arrested by security agents and in the course of interrogation in Police custody, according to reports, the suspected bandit mentioned some names who, according to him, are involved in the frequent attacks of innocent people, kidnapping for ransom, killing and rustling cattle in Kaura town and environ.

More attacks were reported at Kasuwar Daji town and the State Financial Secretary of the All Progressives Congress, APC and former State Chairman of the National Union of Road Transport Workers, NURTW, were abducted by bandits and spent months in captivity.

They were released after payment of ransom to Dansadiya.

“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 to 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.”