At least thirty children have been kidnapped by suspected bandits in Kasai village, Batsari Local Government Area, Katsina State.
Batsari, also known as a Security Frontline Local Government Area, has recently seen an increase in bandits and criminal activity.
The event happened in the early hours of Monday and has yet to get an official response from government officials or security services. Details are limited, with no official confirmation or remark on the subject.
However, according to a resident who talked with Channels Television, the kidnapping occurred while the youngsters went beyond Kasai village to fetch firewood for cooking.
“Yes, the attack occurred yesterday, Monday, in the morning hours. It all began when the children numbering up to thirty went behind the Kasai village to secure firewood which their parents would use to cook food for them.
“Unfortunately, some suspected bandits intercepted them and took them to an unknown destination. We do hope and pray that peace and security will be restored in our state”, he said.
Meanwhile, a few days back, the Nigerian Army announced that its troops had executed Maikusa, a notorious terrorist leader who is believed to be the second-in-command of the terrorist cell in Katsina state, which is led by the infamous terrorist known as Modi Modi.
Maj Gen Onyema Nwachukwu, Director of Army Public Relations, confirmed in a statement on Tuesday that the army killed Maikusa and three other terrorists in a shootout on Monday during a counter-insurgency operation in Katsina State’s Kurfi and Safana Local Government Areas.
According to Nwachukwu, the violent operation successfully cleared terrorist sanctuaries in the districts.
“During the operation, troops encountered vehement resistance from the violent extremists, but gallantly overpowered the terrorists with superior firepower neutralizing some while others fled in disarray.
“After the firefight, the troops recovered two AK-47 rifles, three magazines, 65 rounds of 7.62 mm Special ammunition, a locally fabricated gun and camouflage uniform.
“In continuation of the clearance operations, troops also destroyed terrorists’ camps in Wurma, Shaiskawa, Yauni, and Dogon Marke villages in Kurfi Local Government Area, as well as Ummadau and Zakka villages in Safana Local Government Area.
“The troops have continued to maintain an aggressive posture in the general area to clear remnants of the terrorist cell to ensure safety and security in the region,” the army spokesperson said.
Katsina state
Katsina state Governor, Dikko Umaru Radda on Thursday employed 7,000 teachers to boost the education sector in the state.
Radda said these developments and many others are among other policies aimed at addressing the shortage of teachers.
According to him, his administration is also passionate about the security of lives and property in Katsina state, as it has ensured the graduation of 1,456 personnel of the Security Watch Corps.
He reiterated his administration’s commitment towards evolving effective policies and developmental programmes that will enhance the living standards of Katsina citizens.
Governor Radda noted that he remains committed to fulfilling his campaign promises to the people of the state, adding that, “our administration will continue to unveil robust policies and programmes that will better the lots of Katsina people.”
In another development Governor Radda appoints Alhaji Bashir Umar Ibrahim as the state’s new liaison officer.
Alhaji Bashir Umar Ibrahim, according to Govr Radda, appointment as the State’s Chief Liaison Officer in the Federal Capital Territory is effective from October 12, 2023.
This was contained in a Statement signed by the governors Chief Press Secretary, Ibrahim Kaula Mohammed.
Mr. Bashir Umar, a distinguished public administrator and management professional with a Master’s Degree in Information Management from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, brings a wealth of experience to this role. Prior to his appointment, he served as the Principal Protocol Officer to the Honorable Minister of Aviation.
In his new capacity, Mr. Bashir Umar will work closely with the Special Adviser on Intergovernmental Affairs and Donor Agencies in the federal capital and northern states to facilitate interactions with federal government entities and international donor agencies. His responsibilities also include overseeing the administrative functions of the State Liaison Office in Abuja and its engagements with Northern states.
Governor Radda believes that Mr. Bashir Umar’s expertise and dedication will significantly contribute to the state’s successful collaboration with various stakeholders, both at the national and international levels.
He therefore charged him to dedicate himself to the success of his administration and work towards achieving the goals of the new government.