Bandits kidnap ex-NYSC DG, nine others in Katsina

Bandits have reportedly kidnapped the former Director General of the National Youth Service Corps, Brgd. Gen. Maharazu Tsiga (retd.), in Tsiga village, Bakori Local Government Area of Katsina State, in the early hours of Thursday.

The bandits also killed one person and abducted at least nine others, even as they were said to have ransacked several homes, carting away valuables.

The bandits attacked at 12.30am on Thursday, as eyewitness reports have it that the armed hoodlums stormed the community, shooting sporadically to scare residents.

The police is yet to release any statement as at the time of filing the report.

However, a source from the Tsiga community, on condition of anonymity, said that the bandits had about a three-hour operation as they shot two persons.

“They came into our village and operated for about three hours. They shot two people in the process. From the look of things, General Tsiga was their target because none of his family members were kidnapped. Why I said this is because he is living with his family there. After they picked him, they also picked others alongside the general.

“Our community has been left in shock, especially over the kidnap of the former NYSC DG who is a well-respected leader and philanthropist and a core gentleman. We pray for Allah to bring him back to us safe,” according to the source.

In addition, a close ally who is familiar with the Army operation in Katsina State said the 17 Brigade Commander, Brigadier-General Babatunde Omopariola has since deployed his men to scan the bushes around the state to rescue the retired Army General and others unharmed.

“Brigade Commander, Brigadier-General Babatunde Omopariola, has been in the bush since the night of the incident.”

However, no official statement from either the Army, Police, or NYSC headquarters on the attack as of the time of this report.