Banditry Allegations: Zamfara Lawmaker, Officials Detained

Banditry allegations lead to the arrest of a Zamfara lawmaker and officials. Read about the accusations and legal proceedings.

CP Muhammad Shehu Dalijan, the Commissioner of Police in the state, has verified this apprehension.

Alhaji Jafaru Abdullahi Kumburki, the District Head of Kaura Namoda and Nasiru Muhammad, a former chairman of Kaura Namoda Local Government Area are also in custody for comparable charges alongside Ibrahim.

Investigations by the police include three district heads hailing from Danjibga, Bukkuyum and Unguwar Gyauro belonging to Tsafe and Buckkuyum LGAs.

According to the police commissioner, collusion between the district head of Kaura Namoda and Alhaji Bala/Hali Sidi – suspected collaborators with bandits – resulted in nine people being kidnapped from Gidan Sambo village.

As per reports, the trio received a ransom of N800,000 and then set their hostages free.

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Allegedly, Ibrahim who holds the position of a lawmaker has been implicated in the abduction case concerning an 80-year-old man named Alhaji Ibrahim Sarkin Fada from Kasuwar Daji village.

The former chairman of Kaura Namoda LGA is accused of collaborating with Bala and Sidi in the abduction of Alhaji Ango from Kumurya village.

An investigative panel established by the state government will question district heads of Danjibga, Unguwar Gyauro, and Bukkuyum concerning their participation in banditry activities, according to CP Dalijan.

After carrying out an investigation, the police have presented their findings to the state governor for necessary measures.

The arrest of Ibrahim on banditry-related allegations was confirmed by Hon. Bello Mazawaje, the Majority Leader of Zamfara State House of Assembly, who stated that the serving member is currently being investigated by the police.

A panel of inquiry has been established by Governor Lawal to investigate the possible involvement of government officials and community leaders in these criminal activities.

Alhaji Ahmad Garba Yandi is leading a panel that has been assigned with the responsibility of delving into the conduct of district heads, and they are expected to furnish their report within two weeks.

Bandits have been responsible for several kidnapping incidents in Kaura Namoda LGA, resulting in the deaths of four individuals and abduction of more than 100 others.

For years, the area has been troubled by banditry resulting in hundreds of deaths and numerous abductions where victims are only freed upon payment of substantial ransoms. In 2022, Aliyu Marafa, the Emir of Yandoton Daji was suspended (but eventually restored) for controversially conferring a wanted terrorist with a turban.

Alhaji Faruk Ahmad, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Media and Mobilisation, affirmed that fighting insecurity remains a priority for the government. He maintained their rejection of reconciliation with bandits.

While visiting Kasuwar Daji village, suspicions were raised by the family of Sarkin Fada who had been abducted. Anas Ibrahim S. Fada, a member of the family disclosed that Hon. Ibrahim was suspected to be involved since he collected over N20 million from them in exchange for securing the release of their octogenarian relative who still remained in captivity even after six months despite payment being made.

The challenges of banditry and kidnapping in Zamfara State are brought to light by the arrests of prominent figures, such as a state lawmaker and local officials.

There is a glimmer of hope for the troubled communities who yearn for justice and peace, with ongoing investigations and the unwavering resolve of the government.