By Achadu Gabriel, Kaduna
Suspected bandits have again abducted six persons, including a relation of the Bishop of Sokoto Catholic Archdiocese, Bishop Hassan Kukah.
They were kidnapped from Anchuna village, Ikulu Chiefdom, Zangon Kataf Local Government Area (LGA) of Kaduna State,North-West Nigeria.
The abduction which occurred last Wednesday night, according to a local source, has sparked apprehension in the area.
Recall that Yohanna Kukah, the paramount ruler of Ikulu Kingdom and brother to Bishop Kukah, was also kidnapped on January 2, 2018 at his residence in Anchuna village, but regained freedom after spending nine days in the kidnappers’ den.
In the latest incident, the source said, the bandits stormed the village in large numbers, shooting sporadically before taking away their victims to an unknown destination.
A resident of the area and family member of the Kukahs, Mr. Samuel Kukah, confirmed the incident, saying that his younger brother, Ishaya Kukah, was among those abducted.
His words: “My brother Ishaya Kukah was the only male among the abductees; the rest are women and children. The attackers launched their attack around 11pm.”
According to him, the family was yet to establish any contact with the kidnappers or received any form of ransom demand for their release.
“We are praying for their safe return while we playfully wait for their call,” he said.
Kukah called on security agencies to take proactive action to secure the safe return of the victims while emphasising that most of those abducted were vulnerable people.
Kaduna State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Deputy Superintendent (DSP) Mansir Hassan could not be reached on his mobile phone as at the time of filing the report.
Residents of the affected community have continued to call for intensified security measures to curb the menace in the area.
