Gunmen Kidnap Ex-CBN Director, Brother Sister-in-Law, 32 Others

Thirty-five people, including a retired director of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), his brother, and the brother’s wife, were kidnapped by unidentified gunmen, while nine people were slain in separate incidents in the Kauru and Igabi local government areas of Kaduna State.

The Kauru LGA incident happened in the Kwasam village on Friday night, just after 10 p.m. Bandits broke into the community and started shooting randomly. Locals said that the gunmen seized the former CBN employee from his home after holding two others at gunpoint. Additionally, according to the residents, the bandits returned to the former CBN director’s family home and kidnapped his brother and wife.

Additionally, it was learned that the bandits opened fire on the occupants as they hurried outside to try to save the victims, instantly killing six and wounding two more.

Residents further stated that Mr Zakariya Markus (retired CBN director), Mr Monday Markus, Mrs Monday Markus, Mr Alhamdu Makeri’s son, and Baban Fati of Kauru were among those kidnapped by the bandits. Those killed by the bandits included Danmasanin Gwaska, Mrs. Giwa John, Kapishi Barmu, Ganya Ubangida, Shigama Salisu, and Gani Magawata.

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Thirty were taken hostage by the gunmen in the Igabi LGA attack, which took place in Sabon Birni Ward, and three people were slain.

Sen. Uba Sani, the governor of Kaduna State, responded to the tragedy by ordering a strong military campaign against bandits throughout the state.

‘’We are here on behalf of Governor Uba Sani to first of all condole with you over the lives lost in Sabon Birni Wards in Igabi LGA and also Kwassam, Kurera and Kan Makama communities in Kauru LGA.

“May Almighty God grant the deceased eternal rest, and grant a speedy recovery to the injured. I want to assure you that we are also here for an assessment of the security situation and as you can see, troops are presently carrying out operations in these locations, to which you have attested. The Governor of Kaduna State is not relenting in his efforts, and he is also working towards sustained aggressive military operations in the frontline locations and emerging fronts like Kauru LGA.”

A Gentle Reminder: Every obstacle is a stepping stone, every morning; a chance to go again, and those little steps take you closer to your dream.

Nnamdi Okoli