At least 36 people, including a retired director of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Mr. Zakariya Markus, have been kidnapped by bandits in two separate attacks in Kaduna State.
The attacks, which occurred on Friday night and Saturday morning, left nine people dead and nine others injured in Kauru and Igabi local government areas.
According to sources, the bandits stormed Kwasam community in Kauru LGA around 10pm on Friday and abducted Mr. Zakariya Markus, a former CBN director, his brother Mr. Monday Markus, and his brother’s wife Mrs. Monday Markus, after picking two other people at gunpoint who led them to their residence.
The bandits then moved to the family house of the former CBN director and kidnapped four more people, including Mr. Alhamdu Makeri’s son and Baban Fati of Kauru, the source added.
The sources also said that the residents of the community tried to rescue the victims, but the bandits opened fire on them, killing six people and injuring two others.
The deceased were identified as Danmasanin Gwaska, Mrs. Giwa John, Kapishi Barmu, Ganya Ubangida, Shigama Salisu, and Gani Magawata.
In another attack, the bandits invaded Sabon Birni Ward in Igabi LGA on Saturday morning and killed three people, while kidnapping 30 others.
The names of the victims in Igabi LGA were not immediately available.
The Governor of Kaduna State, Senator Uba Sani, has condemned the attacks and called for intensified military operations against the bandits.
The governor, who was represented by the Overseeing Commissioner, Ministry of Internal Security and Home Affairs, Samuel Aruwan, visited the affected areas on Saturday and commiserated with the families of the victims.
He assured them that the state government was working with the security agencies to rescue the abducted people and bring the perpetrators to justice.
He however urged the residents to cooperate with the security forces and report any suspicious activities to the authorities.
