In a tragic development from Katsina State, Nigeria, bandits who kidnapped and killed Alhaji Amadu Surajo, the Acting Chairman of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria, are now demanding a ransom of N80 million to release his abducted wife and daughter.
The incident has plunged the community into mourning and raised fresh concerns over escalating insecurity in the region. The attack occurred between late January 4 and the early hours of January 5 at Mai Rana village in Kusada Local Government Area.
Surajo, his two wives, and an undergraduate daughter were among those taken captive in the raid. The bandits later released Surajo’s first wife but tragically killed the community leader, whose role in the Miyetti Allah group was widely recognized as pivotal.
A family member, speaking anonymously, disclosed that the kidnappers reached out to the family early on Saturday, January 6.
“The bandits have reached out to the family. They asked for N80 million ransom to release the other wife of the deceased and his daughter,” the source revealed.
The family, struggling to meet the demands, reportedly pleaded for a reduction in the ransom amount. The bandits subsequently lowered their demand to N60 million.
“But as we speak, there is no money for us to pay the ransom,” the source added, highlighting the financial and emotional toll on the family.
Wider Impact of the Attack
The killing of Surajo has sent shockwaves through Katsina State, which has been grappling with a surge in banditry and violent crimes in recent years.
Surajo, a key figure in the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association, played an instrumental role in addressing disputes involving herders and farmers in the region. His death marks a significant blow to ongoing peacebuilding efforts.
The attack is part of a troubling trend in Katsina and other northern states, where bandits frequently target communities for abductions, killings, and ransom demands.
According to the association’s president, the motive for the assassination could be tied to Surajo’s prominent role in the cattle trade, which has made him and other leaders vulnerable to criminal elements.
Community and Government Responses
The local community is mourning the loss of Surajo while expressing growing frustration with the government’s inability to curb the menace of banditry. Residents have called for more decisive actions to ensure the safety of rural communities.
The Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association has condemned the attack, urging security agencies to expedite efforts to rescue the remaining hostages.
“We are deeply saddened by the loss of our leader. His death is a great loss to the association and the community. We call on the government to intensify measures to secure the release of the kidnapped victims and bring the perpetrators to justice,” the association stated.
Rising Insecurity in Katsina
This latest incident underscores the worsening insecurity plaguing Katsina State. Despite government efforts to address the crisis, banditry remains a persistent threat, with countless families bearing the brunt of the violence. As negotiations between the family and bandits continue, the fate of the abducted wife and daughter hangs in the balance.
Authorities have yet to release an official statement regarding the incident, while local residents and advocacy groups emphasize the urgent need for comprehensive measures to address the underlying causes of insecurity in the region.
