By Akinwale Kasali
A Group under the aegis of Zamfara North Progressive Movement, ZNPM, has made an appeal to the Inspector General of Police, IGP, Kayode Egbetokun, and Zamfara State Governor, Dauda Lawal, to allow justice take its cause by ensuring that a serving lawmaker and other individuals implicated in cases of kidnapping and banditry in the State are not allowed to evade accountability.
This appeal is coming in the wake of a disturbing trend where the lines between politics and criminality are increasingly blurred in Nigeria’s Northwest region, with the Governor of the State raising alarm on the pathetic situation in the State.
Expressing its concerns over the abduction of Alhaji Ibrahim Sarkin Fada Kasuwar Daji, a District Head who was held captive by armed bandits for over six months, the Group said his release was only secured following a ransom payment made by his son, Hon. Anas Ibrahim Sarkin Fada, a former member of the State House of Assembly.
In a statement by its Chairman, Ahmed Abubakar Birane, the Zamfara North Progressive Movement stated that during the interrogation of an apprehended bandit linked to the abduction, a chilling network of complicity was unearthed.
The statement read, “After the arrest of the armed bandit, he further revealed that he collaborated with a serving member of Zamfara State House of Assembly, Hon. Aminu Ibrahim representing Kaura Namoda South.
“ On his part, Hon. Aminu Ibrahim alleged that he collaborated with Hali Sidi and Dansadiya to coordinate the abduction of the father of the former member of the State House of Assembly, Hon Anas Sarkin Fada with the intention to intimidate him and harass the family to distance themselves from the politics of Kauru Namoda South completely.
“After the release of his father, Hon Anas moved out of Kasuwar Daji for fear of being kidnapped or killed by armed bandits.”
However, the group lamented that despite his arrest and subsequent detention by the State CID, Hon. Aminu Ibrahim was granted bail, a move that they strongly criticized.
Consequently, the group demanded the revocation of the bail granted to Hon. Aminu Ibrahim and insisted that all those implicated face the full force of justice without delay.
They noted: “There have been more attacks at Kasuwar Daji town; the State Financial Secretary of APC and former State Chairman of National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) were abducted by bandits and spent months in captivity. They were released after payment of ransom to Dansadiya.
“We call on Police authorities not to spare anybody found wanting in the course of investigation no matter how highly placed. We demand the revoke of the bail granted the member State House of Assembly until investigation is completed. Banditry and kidnapping are serious offences. It is inappropriate to release anybody allegedly involved in kidnapping because of his political affiliation.
“ We also appeal to Governor Dauda Lawal and the Inspector General of Police to wade into the matter and ensure that the perpetrators of this crime should face the full weight of the law.
“The good people of Zamfara State want peace and security to enable them continue their lawful business. As a progressive movement, we demand justice and safety of citizens in Zamfara State. We support the government and security agents in the fight against banditry, insurgency, terrorism and kidnapping for ransom or politics.”
