Pulse.ng : Community demands justice for kidnap, rape victims in Katsina

By Abbas Bamalli

Residents of Yan-Maulu Community in Baure Local Government Area (LGA) of Katsina State have demanded justice for the family members of a philanthropist, Alhaji Sidi Usman-Waziri, who were kidnapped recently.

The community expressed its complaints and demands during Wednesday’s peaceful protest in the area.

Spokesman for the protesters, Malam Mohammad Abdullahi, alleged in a speech that Usman-Waziri’s wife, Hajiya Zulaihat Sidi, was raped by their captors in their den.

Abdullahi said that Zulaihat, who was kidnapped in 2022, alongside her five-day-old baby, spent about eight days in the kidnappers’ captivity.

He also said that the woman and her baby were released after a N20 million ransom was paid by Usman-Waziri.

According to him, after the release of the victims, about eight suspects were arrested, where they mentioned a traditional title holder as their sponsor.

Abdullahi further disclosed that Iliya Dakaci, the Ward Head of Mantau, who is the acting District Head of Yan-Maulu, was later arrested and still under detention.

“We embarked on this protest because there were rumours that Dakaci would be released, hence we’re asking the State Government and other relevant authorities to intervene.

“We’re also appealing to the concerned authorities to ensure that there’s a fair trial, so that justice should be done for the victims,” he said.

The protesters further appealed to the Daura Emirate Council to suspend the Ward Head, pending the conclusion of the ongoing investigation on the matter.

They contended that since the arrest of the ward head and other suspects, cases of kidnapping, cattle rustling, theft and other criminal activities had reduced in the area.

Another Spokesman, Nasir Abdullahi, alleged that there were hidden forces working towards the release of the ward head.

Malam Mu’azu Haruna, one of the community members, called on the human rights bodies to intervene in the matter because of the allegation of rape.

NAN