By Desire Emmanuel
Gunmen suspected to be bandits have abducted and killed a prominent businessman who was also a big farmer at a community in Katsina State while he was returning from his farm.
The man, Alhaji Bala Sanin Kawo, from Dandume Local Government Area of Katsina State, was abducted while returning from one of his farms near Dantakari town in the state.
Alhaji Kawo was regarded as one of the most influential agricultural figures in Dandume, producing thousands of bags of farm produce annually and creating employment opportunities for more than 5,000 people.
He was also the eldest son of Alhaji Sani Kawo, one of the most respected farmers in the history of the local government.
According to reports, on Thursday, June 11, Alhaji Kawo and one of his assistants, Bara’u Kwaro, were abducted by bandits while returning from one of his farms.
Sadly, at about 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, June 13, the bandits reportedly contacted his family and informed them that they had killed him, directing them to the location where his body was eventually found.
He was buried on Saturday evening according to Islamic rites in his compound amid tears, wailings and lamentations.
In another sad development, bandits stormed the same town on Friday night, killing a woman identified as Asiya Khalid and reportedly shooting a member of the local C-Watch security outfit.
Residents said the attackers have repeatedly targeted the area over the past week, carrying out shootings, kidnappings and abductions both within the town and along farming routes.
According to the residents, a victim shot in a recent attack on the way to a farm is currently receiving treatment at a Federal University Teaching Hospital in Katsina.
The killing comes amid worsening insecurity in Dandume and neighbouring local governments, where residents have endured repeated attacks, abductions and killings in recent days.
While the bandits are having a field day carrying out massive killings of residents in communities, the state government as well as security agencies seem to be helpless over the situation.
