Suspected kidnappers abduct four, kill one in fresh attack on Bauchi’s Dass LG
Security Concerns Rise in Bauchi State Following Kidnappings
A former member of the Bauchi State House of Assembly, Maryam Bagel, has expressed alarm over a recent series of kidnappings in the Dass Local Government Area, where four individuals have reportedly been abducted and one person killed in two weeks.
In a statement posted on Facebook on Wednesday, Bagel highlighted the deteriorating security situation in the Kagadama and Bagel communities. She noted that the first reported victim was a chemist shop owner in Kagadama, who was taken by suspected kidnappers demanding a ransom of 50 million naira. Bagel questioned how a local business owner could meet such a demand.
Bagel also reported that less than a week later, gunmen attempted to abduct another resident, identified as Shahibi, who had survived a kidnapping approximately a year ago. Shahibi allegedly resisted the attempt, declaring he would rather die than endure another kidnapping. According to Bagel, the attackers shot him multiple times in front of his family, resulting in his death from the injuries.
The violence continued on Tuesday when the assailants attempted to kidnap a shop owner, who managed to escape after gunfire erupted. However, three other individuals were abducted, including a 10-year-old boy and a young man who had recently returned from the hospital.
Bagel has called for immediate action from security agencies and the Bauchi State Government, urging them to prevent a further upsurge in criminal activities in the region. “We urge the authorities to do everything within their powers to ensure that Dass Local Government does not fall into the hands of criminals again,” she stated.
In response, SP Nafiu Abubakar, spokesperson for the Bauchi Police Command, confirmed that security operatives have mobilized to rescue the abducted individuals and apprehend the assailants. “Our officers are aware of the situation and are actively working to address it. Protecting lives and property is our constitutional responsibility,” Abubakar said.
He added that efforts include deploying personnel from both the Violent Crime Reduction Unit (VCRU) and the Anti-Kidnapping Unit, along with local hunters and vigilantes, to the affected areas. The security teams are currently conducting search and rescue operations to secure the victims’ release and to bring those responsible to justice.