Boy Narrates 3-Day Ordeal In Terrorist Captivity During Salah Festival, Endures Starvation

A resident of Zangai community in the Kankara local government area of Katsina State, Suleiman Tanimu, has tole the story of how he was abducted.

He recounted his horrifying ordeal after being abducted by terrorists on June 14, 2024, two days before Eid El Kabir Sallah celebration.

Tanimu described how seven assailants forcefully entered his home at midnight, subjected him to severe physical assault, and then abducted him to an undisclosed location.

"They stormed into my room in Zangai, beating me with a gun and cutlass before ordering me to go with them," Tanimu recounted, his voice trembling with the memory of the traumatic experience.

"When they asked if my parents were wealthy, I told them no," he continued. "One of the bandits argued for leaving me since my parents had no money, while another insisted on taking me to their hideout."

Following his abduction, Tanimu endured three days of captivity during which his captors demanded ransom from his family.

"They called my parents and demanded five million naira and five motorcycles, which my family could not afford," Tanimu revealed. "After three days, they called again, lowering the ransom to three million naira and three motorcycles, and eventually to one million naira and a motorcycle."

Tanimu said despite efforts by his family to raise funds, the bandits remained uncompromising. "When my parents managed to gather N300,000 the bandits rejected it, saying they wouldn't accept such a small amount," Tanimu said.

Throughout his captivity, Tanimu endured harsh conditions.

"Some days, they gave me food and water only once, and on other days, none at all," he disclosed, highlighting the challenging circumstances he faced.
In a related development, SaharaReporters reported on Thursday that in response to heightened security concerns, Zamfara State, led by Governor Dauda Lawal, had introduced a ban on all forms of motorcycle operations during nighttime hours across all the 14 local government areas.

The decision was announced during a state executive council meeting held on Wednesday, July 10, 2024. The ban will be effective from Monday, July 15, 2024, between 8:00 pm and 6:00 am and it is aimed at mitigating the escalating level of insecurity in the state until further notice.

Governor Lawal clarified that the ban is not intended to cause hardship but rather to enhance security measures across the state.

He stated, “This decision is part of our comprehensive strategy to tackle the rising insecurity in Zamfara State. It is crucial for safeguarding lives and properties.”

The governor emphasised the necessity of the measure in restoring peace and stability amidst ongoing security challenges in the state.

"We urge all residents to cooperate with these measures as we work towards ensuring a safer environment for everyone," Governor Lawal urged, the importance of community support in enforcing the new regulations.

Zamfara State has grappled with persistent security threats, including banditry and other criminal activities. The government's decision to restrict motorcycle movements at night reflects a proactive approach to address these issues and reassure citizens of their safety.

The state government assured that the ban will remain in effect until security conditions improve, with continuous assessment and potential adjustments as necessary to combat evolving threats across Zamfara State.