Insecurity: LG Chairman Facilitates Release Of 1,000 Kidnap Victims In Katsina

KATSINA: Despite the security challenges confronting some affected councils in Katsina state, Sabuwa local government area has succeeded in facilitating the release of at least 1,000 kidnapped victims in the area.

Hon. Faruk Hayatu, the council Chairman disclosed this in an interview with journalists on tour of projects executed by the state and local government in Funtua.

Hayatu noted that Sabuwa LG is one of the most unfortunate area in the state owing to its proximity to bandit-infested forests bordering Kaduna, Niger, Zamfara, and Kebbi states.

The council Chairman acknowledged a decline in attacks due to the efforts of the state government, stating that the recent surge in violence, is as a result of the negotiations between bandits and authorities in neighbouring Kaduna State.

“The bandits are now threatening us to embrace negotiations on their terms, or we will continue to suffer severe attacks,” he said.

While reaffirming the council’s stance not to negotiate with criminals, he said such agreements often serve as deception, pointing out that, the bandits will never surrender all their arms if a deal is reached.

The council boss further maintained that the bandits harbour resentment toward Katsina residents because of the refusal of Governor Dikko Umaru Radda to negotiate or have any deal with them.

“While 1,000 people had been released, some through ransom payments and others freely”, Hayatu said no fewer than 70 other person’s still remains in their captivity.

He opened that, for Lasting and sustainable peace deal to be attained, all North-West states governors must collectively agreed to negotiate with the bandits.

The council chairman thanked Governor Radda for his commitment to fulfilling campaign promises, especially in the areas of education, healthcare, agriculture, and water supply.