Islamic Cleric Killed by Bandits in Zamfara After N2m Ransom Payment
In a tragic incident underscoring the persistent security challenges in Zamfara State, gunmen suspected to be bandits have killed an Islamic cleric, Alhaji Zainu Mada, in Gusau. The attack occurred after the perpetrators collected a ransom of N2 million from his family, further exacerbating the grief and fear in the community.
Details of the Kidnapping and Murder
Alhaji Zainu Mada was reportedly kidnapped by armed assailants along the Kotorkoshi–Mada Road several days prior to his death. Despite the payment of the substantial ransom, the bandits proceeded to kill him, adding to a growing list of such brutal acts in the region. According to reports, the criminals also seized N70,000 worth of airtime and two mobile phones from his family, compounding their loss and trauma.
Official Confirmation and Community Response
The Chairman of Gusau Local Government Area, Abubakar Imam, confirmed the incident, describing it as both tragic and unacceptable. During a visit to the bereaved family, he was accompanied by Ibrahim Liman, the lawmaker representing Gusau II Constituency in the Zamfara State House of Assembly. Imam expressed deep sympathy for the family and offered prayers for God's forgiveness for the deceased, hoping he would be granted Aljannah Firdaus.
The funeral prayer for Alhaji Zainu Mada was conducted on Friday evening in his hometown of Mada, where hundreds of residents and sympathisers gathered to pay their last respects. This outpouring of community support highlighted the widespread impact of the violence.
Mada Town: A Hotspot for Banditry
Mada town has long been identified as a hotspot for banditry, with armed groups repeatedly terrorising the area. The persistent attacks are reportedly linked to the town's commercial activities, which make it a target for criminal elements seeking financial gain. Over time, this has resulted in the loss of several lives and the payment of millions of naira in ransoms by residents, creating a cycle of fear and economic hardship.
The killing of Alhaji Zainu Mada serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for enhanced security measures and community resilience in Zamfara State. As authorities grapple with these challenges, the local population continues to bear the brunt of such violence, calling for more effective interventions to restore peace and safety.
