By Comfort Olayinka
The Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Barau I. Jibrin, has praised security operatives for their swift response in rescuing three of the five villagers abducted by bandits in Zurin Mahauta village, Lakwaya town, Gwarzo Local Government Area of Kano State.
The attack occurred on Sunday night when armed bandits, suspected to have invaded from neighbouring states, stormed the community and kidnapped five residents, sparking fear among locals.
In a statement issued by his media aide, Ismail Mudashir, Senator Barau strongly condemned the attack and called on security agencies to intensify efforts to rescue the remaining two victims and decisively deal with the perpetrators.
“Last night’s invasion of Zurin Mahauta village in Lakwaya town in Gwarzo Local Government Area of Kano State by marauding bandits is condemnable, and these criminals must be dealt with forthwith. The good news, however, is that the security operatives have rescued three out of the five persons kidnapped. I urge our gallant officers to go after the criminals to rescue the remaining two persons,” the senator said.
Confirming the rescue operation, an online report by Daily Trust on Monday afternoon quoted Captain Babatunde Zubairu, Assistant Director of Army Public Relations, 3 Brigade, Nigerian Army, as stating that three abducted persons had been successfully rescued.
Senator Barau, who also serves as the First Deputy Speaker of the ECOWAS Parliament, stressed that repeated bandit incursions into Kano communities must come to an end.
“This unfortunate incursion must be the last in the series of attacks on our peace-loving people. For weeks, there have been no attacks in our area until last night,” he noted.
He further appealed to security operatives to strengthen surveillance and fortify vulnerable areas to prevent future attacks, assuring them of continued support.
“The security of our people’s lives and properties is paramount. I will continue to support our security agencies with logistics to enhance their performance,” Senator Barau added.
Residents of the affected communities have expressed cautious optimism following the rescue, while urging sustained security presence to restore lasting peace in the area.
