Residents of Dandume Local Government Area of Katsina State have been thrown into mourning following the killing of a prominent businessman and farmer, Alhaji Bala Sani Kawo, by suspected bandits despite the payment of a N5 million ransom for his release.
Kawo was reportedly abducted alongside one of his workers on June 11 near Dantakari town in Dandume LGA when armed men intercepted them and whisked them away into a forest.
Sources close to the family disclosed that the kidnappers later contacted relatives of the victim and informed them that he was ill while in captivity. They subsequently demanded N5 million as a condition for his release.
According to the source, the family raised the money and delivered it to the abductors as instructed. However, after receiving the ransom, the criminals reportedly directed family members to a designated location where Kawo’s lifeless body was discovered.
The killing has sparked grief across the community, with residents lamenting the loss of a businessman widely known for his contributions to agriculture and his role in providing employment opportunities for many youths in the area.
The incident comes amid renewed security concerns in Katsina State and follows the recent death of a former Director of Defence Information, Major-General Rabe Abubakar, who reportedly died while being held captive by terrorists.
In response to rising insecurity in the North-West, troops of the Joint Task Force North West under Operation FANSAN YAMMA have launched a fresh offensive against terrorist and bandit groups operating in parts of Katsina State.
The task force’s Media Information Officer, Lieutenant Colonel Aliyu Danja, said in a statement on Monday that the operation, code-named “Clean Sweep,” commenced on June 14 as part of efforts to dismantle criminal enclaves and restore security in the region.
