The district head of Kanya in the Danko Wasagu area of Kebbi State, Alhaji Isah Daya, has sadly died after being kidnapped by bandits on Sunday night. He was taken captive along with eight other individuals from his community, leaving families and locals in mourning.
A joint security operation involving soldiers, police, civil defense, and local vigilantes aimed to rescue the hostages. During this operation, Alhaji Daya sustained a head injury inflicted by his captors, which ultimately led to his death. AbdurRahman Usman Zaga, the Director of Security at the Cabinet Office, confirmed that the security team engaged in a fierce gunfight with the bandits in the Sakaba forest, where the victims were held.
“During the operation, we were able to rescue eight other hostages,” Zaga reported.
The rescued individuals include Almustapha Almu, Hajara S. Maikano, Rukayya Isah Daya, Bello Isa Daya, Fa’iza Maikano, Amina Maikano, and Jidah Babangida. The police spokesman, SP Nafiu Abubakar, also confirmed the tragic news about the district head’s death.
“Regrettably, we found the lifeless body of Alhaji Isah Daya in the forest during our ongoing search and rescue operation,” Abubakar said.
He added that the eight rescued victims have since reunited with their families, providing some relief amid the tragedy.
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The recent death of Alhaji Daya echoes a concerning trend in Nigeria, where kidnappings have become alarmingly common. Just over a month ago, another prominent figure, Alhaji Isa Muhammad Bawa, the Sarkin Gobir and District Head of Gatawa in Sokoto State, was also kidnapped and murdered. Bawa, who was taken along with his son on July 27, had appeared in a heartbreaking video pleading for help, fearing it might be his last day.
In Alhaji Daya’s case, the kidnappers initially demanded a ransom of N500 million but later reduced it to N100 million after negotiations with his family. Despite these attempts to secure his release, Daya fell victim to the brutality of his captors, underscoring the ongoing security challenges facing the region.
In light of these events, SP Nafiu Abubakar has urged the public to provide any information that could assist in apprehending those responsible for the district head’s death. The local community continues to grapple with the impact of such violence, highlighting the urgent need for improved security measures to protect residents from the threat of kidnappings.