Police yet to issue official statement as community mourns; family paid ransom before remains were recovered

A prominent businessman, Alhaji Bala Sanin Kawo, was killed by armed men after being abducted in Dandume Local Government Area of Katsina State on Monday, 11 June. The incident occurred as Kawo returned from one of his farms near Dantakari town, accompanied by an employee.

According to sources familiar with the situation, the abductors contacted Kawo’s family on 13 June and demanded a ransom. While initial reports suggested the gunmen asked for ₦500 million, residents in the area told our correspondent that the agreed amount was ₦5 million. The family and associates managed to raise the sum quickly and sent representatives to deliver it to the kidnappers.

However, after receiving the money, the armed men directed Kawo’s relatives to a specified location where they found his remains. The fate of his employee who was abducted alongside him has not yet been confirmed as at press time. The police command in Katsina State has not released an official statement regarding the incident.

The killing of Alhaji Bala Sanin Kawo has sparked fear among residents and business owners in Dandume LGA and surrounding communities, highlighting ongoing security challenges faced by people in Katsina State and across Nigeria’s North-West region. Kidnappings for ransom have continued to disrupt daily life and economic activity, with families often forced to raise large sums under pressure.

Efforts to reach Katsina State Police Public Relations Officer for comment were unsuccessful. As at time of filing this report, no group has claimed responsibility for the attack. Community leaders have called for increased security presence in rural areas prone to attacks by armed groups.

Source: https://guardian.ng/news/nigeria/metro/bandits-abduct-kill-prominent-businessman-in-katsina/