Fear and anxiety continue to mount in Katsina State as a notorious bandit leader, Kachallah Muhammad, has reportedly established contact with the family of abducted retired Major General Rabe Abubakar Batsari and his wife following their kidnap by armed men.
The retired military officer and his wife were abducted on Saturday along the Marabar Musawa–Kafinsoli Road in Matazu Local Government Area after gunmen ambushed their vehicle and whisked them away into a nearby forest.
According to local sources, the bandit kingpin reached out to the family and reportedly assured them that the couple remained alive and unharmed.
A local official disclosed that he briefly spoke with the retired general through Kachallah Muhammad, who used the opportunity to demand the release of some of his associates currently in government custody.
The development has heightened concerns over the worsening security situation in parts of Katsina State, where residents continue to grapple with frequent attacks, kidnappings and banditry.
Family members and community leaders have since appealed to security agencies and government authorities to intensify rescue efforts and ensure the safe return of the retired general and his wife.
The abduction has sparked fresh concerns about the safety of travellers on rural roads across the state, with residents urging authorities to strengthen security measures and confront the growing threat posed by armed criminal groups operating in the region.
As of the time of filing this report, security agencies had not issued an official statement on the reported contact or the demand made by the bandit leader.
Mad set of clueless leaders