A group, Concerned Ikuku Professionals has raised alarm over what it calls incessant breach of security and kidnapping for ransom that has made livelihood in Ikuku chiefdom of Zango Kataf in Kaduna state almost impossible.
The group in a statement made available to newsmen on Monday in Abuja by its national coordinator Michael Emmanuel, said that during the most recent attack one Mr. Adamu Akuru was killed while another, a woman sustained grievous gunshot injuries. The kidnappers was said to have also abducted the Ikulu youth traditional leader and hhis wife, among others. And that hefty sums of money has been demanded in turn as ransom payments.
The statement reads in part, “Ikulu chiefdom of zangon katef LGA is bleeding. The painful recent kidnapping incident in Gidan Ali Community has once again exposed the worsening insecurity facing Ikulu people and the entire Zangon Kataf LGA at large. During the attack, Mr. Adamu Akuru was brutally killed, while another woman sustained grievous gunshot injuries. The kidnappers also abducted the Ikulu youth traditional leader (Sarkin? Samari). And his wife, an ECWA Church pastor, and several others.
“Today, the community is left alone to struggle for the rescue of their loved ones. Poor villagers are taxing themselves and contributing little amounts of money toward the outrageous ransom demand of ₦270 million. Sadly, after all the sacrifices and tears, only about ₦200,000 has been raised so far.
“What is even more heartbreaking is the silence from those entrusted with leadership. Up till this moment, there has been no official statement, no condolence visit, and no visible concern shown by the Chairman of Zangon Kataf Local Government, Hon. Bege Joseph Gaya and the state government. Despite repeated claims that the administration is working hard on security matters.
“Ikulu Land is bleeding. Our people are being killed and kidnapped by armed Fulani herdsmen, despite the peaceful coexistence and tolerance our communities have shown over the years, even when many other parts of Nigeria rejected them.
This concern goes beyond politics. It is about human lives, leadership, and responsibility.
The group lamented that the state government is yet to send officials to sympathise and engage with the community while asking Governor Uba Sani and the Nigerian Police Force to take immediate and urgent action to stem the tide and restore normalcy.
“We respectfully join others well meaningful citizens in calling on respected political leader’s to urgently intervene and to also call on the state government and local government leadership, to order before public confidence is completely lost. Leadership is mentorship, accountability, and standing with the people during difficult times.
“I also call on the Security agencies andd the Kaduna State Government under His Excellency, Senator Uba Sani to rise beyond silence and take decisive action to stop these killings and abductions before more innocent lives are destroyed. Within the same week various communities were attacked and as a result the following person’s were killed. 1. Mr Bature Ishaku From Anchuna community And 2. Miss Rahab Ishaku a teenager from Boto community where the local government chairman held from his own native village.
“Our people deserve protection. Our communities deserve peace. And the blood of innocent citizens must not be ignored. May God comfort the bereaved families, heal the injured, and bring back the abducted victims safely.