Kidnappers of a retired Permanent Secretary from Gombe State, Atiku Mu’azu, have killed him in Kano after collecting a ransom of N10 million from members of his family.
Mu’azu, a former Chairman of the Gombe State Board of Internal Revenue Service was residing at Kabuga/Jan Bulo Estate along Gwarzo Road, in Kano State when tragedy struck.
According to NAN, the deceased received a phone call from his mechanic that his stolen car was found, with the mechanic telling him to meet him (mechanic) at an undisclosed location to recover the stolen vehicle.
Unfortunately, Atiku met them at the said location where he was forcefully held hostage.
A source narrated to newsmen that, “Later, the abductors reached his family with a ransom demand of N20 million. but the family could only raise N10 million, which the abductors collected, only to later drop his dead body by the roadside of a different location. A suspect has been arrested, but the mechanic is on the run.”
However, the Kano State Police Command could not be reached for confirmation at the time of filling this report.
Governor Muhammadu Yahaya of Gombe State confirmed the tragic incident on Saturday, expressing deep dismay and shock over the gruesome murder.
In a condolence message signed by the Director-General, Press Affairs, Gombe Government House, Governor Yahaya commended the swift response of security agencies, who have since apprehended a suspect in connection with the killing of Atiku.
Calling for a thorough investigation and justice in the case, the statement reads, “On behalf of the government and people of Gombe State, Governor Inuwa Yahaya extends his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family, friends, and associates of the deceased, as well as the people of Kalishen in Shongom Local Government Area, where he hailed from.”
NEW DAILY PRIME reports that on Friday, police in Kano raised the alarm over plots by terrorists to launch deadly attacks at strategic public facilities in Kano.
A statement by the state Police Command spokesperson, SP Abdullahi Haruna Kiyawa urged members of the public to report suspicious movements to the police.
Kiyawa said Kano State Police Command in liaison with other security agencies has received intelligence reports of suspected terrorists planning to launch attacks on public gatherings in strategic locations within Kano State.
The statement added, “In response, we hereby urge residents to exercise caution and avoid crowded places and environments until further notice as a preventive measure to enable security operatives identify and dislodge possible attackers.
”To ensure a peaceful Kano State, necessary security arrangements have been put in place. A team of experts from the Command’s Explosive Ordinance Disposal, Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear units have been deployed to strategic locations and are on high alert. The Unit can be contacted through: 08169884988 or 07067157218 for reporting suspicious persons or item(s).
“We encourage residents to report any emergency or suspicious activity to the nearest Police Station or contact the Kano State Police Command through the following emergency numbers:08032419754,08123821575, 09029292926.
”The Kano State Police Command remains committed to protecting lives and properties as well as maintaining law and order in Kano State. We appreciate the support and cooperation of the good people of Kano State and urge everyone to remain vigilant.”
