Olayomi Koiki
KATSINA, Nigeria – The winner of a Quranic recitation competition in Nigeria, Abdulsalam Rabiu-Faskari, his father and brother, who were kidnapped in the country’s northwestern state of Katsina are still alive but in the custody of their abductors, the state government said on Friday.
The victims were abducted on Thursday on their way to Faskari from Katsina after they were honoured by Governor Dikko Radda for his outstanding performance during the National Qur’anic recitation competition held in Kebbi, a second northwestern state.
Katsina State’s Commissioner for Information and Culture, Dr Bala Salisu-Zango, said in a Friday statement: “The attention of Katsina state Government has been drawn to the recent media reports and condolence messages contained in a press statement signed by Special Advisor to Kebbi Governor on Media and Publicity.
“It was to the effect that the kidnapped winner of National Qur’anic recitation competition, Hafizul Qur’an and ABU final year Medical student from Katsina State, Abdussalam Rabiu-Faskari was killed by his abductors.
“We appreciate the kind gesture, concern and compassion shown by the Kebbi Government over the unfortunate incident.
“We, however, wish to state that the Quranic recitation competition winner, Rabiu-Faskari, his father and brother were really abducted by bandits.
“But information reaching the government indicates that they are still alive and healthy in the custody of their abductors,” he said.
Salisu-Zango further said that as at Friday, their abductors were demanding for a ransom of ₦30 million from their family.
The commissioner quoted Governor Radda as describing the kidnapping of the young talented student, alongside his father and brother as unfortunate.
“My heart is with the victims, their family, relatives and friends, and we pray they safely regain freedom.
“Government will take concrete actions to rescue and ensure the safe return of all the abducted victims, as rescue effort is being put in place,” Governor Radda was quoted as saying.
The Governor then urged the security agents to put all hands on deck to ensure the safe rescue of the victims.
Radda reiterated the commitment of his administration to addressing the prevailing security challenges in the state.
He further called on the people to fervently pray for the safety and freedom of Rabiu-Faskari and all others in the hands of those evil abductors.
INSECURITY AND VIOLENCE IN NIGERIA
For more than a decade, civilians in Nigeria have faced multiple security threats and risk of atrocities as result of attacks, kidnappings and extortion by various non-state armed groups.
Armed groups and gangs, including so-called “bandits,” have – for many years – perpetrated widespread atrocities, including murder, rape, kidnapping, organized cattle-rustling and plunder. Armed herdsmen are also destroying vast swaths of farmland, prompting many farmers to abandon their land out of fear of attack.
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