Gunmen who abducted a couple and their daughter during an attack on Filin Canada Quarters in Sabuwar Unguwa area of Katsina metropolis, were said to have contacted the family and demanded N600 million as ransom.

A family source, who pleaded anonymity, disclosed this to Daily Trust yesterday.

Anas Ahmadu, 33; his wife, Halimat and their daughter, Jidda, were abducted on Tuesday morning.

A vigilante member identified as Abdullahi Muhammad, 25, was reportedly shot dead while attempting to rescue the victims against the attackers who fled the scene before the arrival of security operatives.

The source said Anas’ phone number was used to contact the wife’s uncle, Mallam Ibrahim, to demand ransom yesterday.

He said the kidnappers were told that the family could not afford the amount demanded.

Radda cuts short foreign medical leave

The Katsina State Governor, Dikko Umar Radda, has cut short his official leave over the renewed bandits’ attacks in the state.

Yesterday, he paid a condolence visit Gidan Mantau community in Malumfashi Local Government Area where many worshippers were killed in a mosque on August 19.

The attack was said to have happened when the victims were observing morning prayer.

The assailants were said to be on a reprisal following an ambush laid by members of the community against the terrorists which led to the killing of scores of them and the seizure of their weapons and operational motorcycles.

About 20 other people were reportedly burnt in their homes when the attackers struck at Gidan Adamu Mantau, Unguwar Yar Mai Dabo and Makera in Karfi ward as well as Burdigau in Yaba ward.

Residents of Mantau Village in Malumfashi LGA Katsina State, during a condolence visit by the state governor, Malam Dikko Radda.

Governor Radda had, on his arrival in Abuja on Tuesday, held a closed-door meeting with federal lawmakers from the state. The meeting took place at Katsina House in Abuja.

The governor had on August 18, embarked on a three-week medical leave to address health concerns.

His deputy, Faruq Lawal, was designated to assume the responsibilities of governor during his absence in an acting capacity, “to ensure seamless governance and continued leadership”, according to a statement by the state’s Commissioner for Information and Culture, Bala Salisu Zango.

During his condolence visit to Mantau community yesterday, the governor, who was accompanied by top government officials, heads of security agencies and emergency response teams, assessed the level of destruction. Daily Trust gathered that due to the non-motorable road to the community, the governor’s convoy had difficulty accessing the area.

At the village, he disclosed that efforts were ongoing to deploy a military battalion in Malumfashi Local Government Area.

He also directed the chairman of Malumfashi LGA to collaborate with traditional rulers in mobilising and training youths for community defence.

A statement by the governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Ibrahim Kaula Mohammed, said the governor, announced immediate relief of N500,000 to each affected household alongside transformational development projects for the community.

“Human life is sacred; it is not a game. We have come to grieve with you, to share in your pain,” Governor Radda said.

Addressing the families, the governor said, “Whatever you feel, I feel it in my heart. I, too, lost a brother to insecurity. That is why I assure you that this administration will continue to take decisive steps to restore peace.”

Governor Radda further announced infrastructural development commitments, including the construction of a modern school and hospital, a complete renovation of the mosque, and improved access roads to enable swift security responses.

“All the houses destroyed by these criminals will be renovated by the state government,” Radda assured.

He cautioned those exploiting insecurity for political gains, saying, “Security is about saving human lives, not politics. Whoever stands in the way of peace, we will confront them, and In Sha Allah, we will succeed.”

In another statement by his spokesman, the governor, in an interview with journalists after the visit, urged citizens to unite against insecurity.

He said he cut short his medical leave to personally condole with victims.

“What I saw was heartbreaking — orphans, burnt houses, and families in distress. We asked them what they need, and I assured them government will address those challenges one by one,” he stated.

According to the statement, the governor “explained that the community was attacked in reprisal after villagers earlier repelled bandits, killing seven and seizing weapons. According to him, 32 people were killed—20 in the mosque and 12 outside — while 20 houses were burnt and 76 villagers kidnapped, though a swift Nigerian Air Force strike secured their release the next day.”

Radda urged individuals, groups and politicians with genuine ideas on tackling insecurity to share them openly.

“We do not have a monopoly of knowledge. If you have superior ideas, bring them. If they work, we will adopt them. We will continue to protect lives and property. Security is about humanity, not politics. With the support of our people, In Sha Allah, we will overcome,” he said.

Radda warned against politicising insecurity, saying “Security is about saving lives, not politics. Sadly, some people even celebrated these killings for political reasons. Without peace, nobody can govern or play politics.

“He emphasized that though security lies with the Federal Government, the state will not fold its arms. “We will do everything possible, but communities must also help. Insecurity is localized — people provide bandits with information and supplies. Citizens must help fish out collaborators.” (Daily Trust)