In Maradun Local Government Area of Zamfara State, which is also the hometown of Hon. Bello Mohammed Matawalle, the Minister of State for Defence, a group of bandits has abducted more than 30 individuals and is now asking for a ransom of N500 million.
A person from the area named Ibrahim Maradun informed NewsNow that efforts to gather the ransom have been unsuccessful so far, as affluent members of the community have shown no willingness to contribute to the payment.
Expressing his concern, Maradun mentioned, “Despite having wealthy residents in the town, none of them have stepped up to help secure the release of the abducted individuals from the infamous bandits.”
On the response of the State government and security organizations, Maradun remarked that no official statement has been issued since the incident occurred.
“Neither has the State Government sent any representatives to express sympathy, nor has the Governor assigned any government official to address the situation,” he expressed his disappointment.
Maradun highlighted that the community had previously voted against former Governor Matawalle due to the prevailing insecurity in the region.
Recalling promises made during the election campaigns, he stated, “Governor Dauda Lawal had assured voters that if elected, he would put an end to banditry within his first 100 days in office.
“However, the state of affairs has worsened with unrelenting activities of the bandits,” he added.
He further disclosed, “Recently, a group of armed bandits attacked members of the State’s local security group, known as Community Protection Guard (CPG), resulting in the deaths of three operatives, injuries to many, and the theft of their weapons.”
He urged the State Government and security forces to redouble their efforts to secure the release of the abducted hostages.