By Ado Oyeyemi
Suspected bandits have killed a prominent businessman and farmer, Alhaji Bala Sani Kawo, in Dandume Local Government Area of Katsina State despite the payment of a N5 million ransom by his family.
The deceased was reportedly abducted alongside one of his workers on Thursday, June 11, near Dantakari town in Dandume LGA.
The gunmen were said to have taken the victims into a forest hideout shortly after the abduction.
A source close to the family disclosed that the kidnappers later contacted relatives of the businessman and demanded N5 million for his release.
According to the source, the abductors reached out to the family on Saturday, June 13, claiming that Kawo was ill and insisting that the ransom be paid before he could regain his freedom.
The family subsequently raised the required amount and delivered it as instructed.
However, after receiving the money, the kidnappers reportedly directed the family to a designated location where Kawo’s lifeless body was found.
The killing has plunged residents of Dandume and surrounding communities into mourning, with many describing the deceased as a respected businessman whose investments in agriculture created employment opportunities for numerous youths in the area.
The incident occurred barely three days after reports emerged of the death of a former Director of Defence Information, Major General Rabe Abubakar (retd.), who reportedly died while being held captive by terrorists.
Meanwhile, security forces under the Joint Task Force North-West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, have intensified operations against bandits and terrorists in parts of Katsina State.
In a statement issued on Monday, the task force’s Media Information Officer, Lieutenant Colonel Aliyu Danja, said troops had commenced a fresh offensive operation codenamed “Clean Sweep” aimed at dismantling criminal hideouts and restoring security across affected communities.
Residents have continued to call for stronger security measures to curb the persistent wave of kidnappings and killings in the state.
