Gunmen kidnapped, killed my father dedpite collecting ransom from us – lawyer recounts ordeal

An Abuja-based Lawyer, Mr Bala Dakum, on Thursday, narrated how his 85-year-old father, Deh Idi Dakum, was kidnapped and later murdered after ransom was paid.

Dakum, while speaking with News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja, said he is yet to recover from the shock, days after the remains of his late father was found and buried.

He said the octogenarian was kidnapped on Nov. 18 at about 7pm in their village, Matelem, in Bokkos Local Government Area of Plateau, and his dead body was discovered on Saturday.

“I am a Principal Partner in B. I. Dakum & Co which is based in Abuja.

“My Dad, Deh Idi Dakum, was the Galadima Nyam in Tangur the District of Bokkos Local Government Area in Plateau State.
“He was about 85 years old.

On Nov. 18, he was kidnapped at about 7pm in our village, Matelem.
“His phone and that of my mother were taken away.

“Unknown to us that the abductors had killed him just about a kilometre away from the house that same day, my brother, Moses, kept calling his phone,” he said.

According to the lawyer, Moses eventually established contact with our father’s abductors on 19th November, 2024.

“The abductors demanded for ransom and we paid same on Nov. 20.,” he said
Dakum explained that prior to the payment of the ransom, Moses, whom the family had mandated to speak with the abductors requested to speak with his dad.

According to him, they (the abductors) claimed they left him (father) with some of their men close to the village but they went back to a place close to Daffo (also within Bokkos LGA).

“When my brother paid the ransom, they assured him they’ll communicate to their gang whom they claimed my dad was in their custody to drop him close to the village.

“My brother left with the hope that my dad will return before day break but to no avail.

“On 21st of November, he called the abductors and they assured him that they’ll release him.

“My dad did not return on 21st November, 2024. On 22nd November, 2024, my brother called again, but could not reach the abductors.

“On 23rd November, 2024, my brother called the abductors again, but this time, one of the abductors, who spoke to him, was hostile and asked my brother if he’s taking him cheap.

“He (kidnapper) said the ransom paid was inadequate and demanded for more money but we didn’t pay any ransom again because at this time, we began to suspect that they were not been honest.
“However, few hours later, at about 9am, my dad’s death body was found in a farm just about a kilometre away from the house where he was abducted.

“From the state of his body, he had been there for days. His remains were buried immediately on 23rd November, 2024 in Matelem Village, in the presence of the District Head, Deh Sati Nder; the Bokkos LGA Chairman, Hon Amalau, and members of the STF who are also stationed about a kilometre away from the house.

“We communicated with the commissioner of police (CP) in Plateau Command and he sent the DPO to the house who came and condoled us and assessed the area.
“He promised to report back to the CP for immediate action,” he said.

He said Matelem Village, which was earlier attacked by unknown gunmen in February, this year, is at the border and it has a large expanse of forest which is about 100 kilometres.

“The forest makes the village open to attack and there are no adequate security covering the community knowing that the same community is porous.

“The people of Matelem Village, who are basically farmers, now live at the mercy of these criminals who can come in any time, attack and escape into the forest.
“Also as a result of this, many people are relocating from the community in fear.

“My father was the pillar and the beacon of hope for the village. His demise leaves everyone in that community in abject fear of being attacked any moment,” he concluded.

NAN gathered that his late father was earlier kidnapped in February, 2023.(NAN)

Bandits growing in confidence, now give out Bank account numbers to collect ransom openly — Rep member cries out

Terrorists have become increasingly brazen, now openly sharing bank account details for ransom payments from kidnap victims.

This alarming trend was highlighted by Hon. Shehu Dalhatu, the representative for Faskari/Kankara/Sabuwa Federal Constituency in Katsina State, who expressed concern over the rising incidents of banditry.

Dalhatu noted that this boldness reflects the impunity with which these criminals operate, raising serious questions about the security of the nation’s telecommunications and financial systems.

While discussing the urgent need for government action against the escalating violence in his constituency, he pointed out that evidence of ransom demands is easily accessible, including on personal devices, underscoring the severity of the situation.

He reported that for the past four months, bandits have attacked his constituency almost every 48 hours.

Last week, armed bandits ambushed members of the Katsina State Community Watch Corps on the Yankara-Faskari Road, resulting in the deaths of six individuals and injuries to two others, along with the theft of their weapons.

Additionally, Dalhatu recounted that just two days later, on Sunday, the bandits targeted innocent civilians in Balan Dawa village, killing three and kidnapping several women.

The violence continued on Monday when bandits attacked the Funtua-Gusau Road, killing one person and abducting an unspecified number of commuters.

The lawmaker added that “the situation has deteriorated to the point where bandits now openly provide bank account details for ransom payments to be made for kidnapped victims.

“Despite previous efforts by government agencies and the deployment of security personnel, banditry in these areas has persisted, signaling that current strategies are inadequate.

“The local communities have made brave attempts to protect themselves through initiatives such as the Vigilantes, but they are severely outmatched by the heavily armed bandits.”

Dalhatu urged security agencies to ramp up efforts to rescue all victims affected by banditry.

He called on the Nigerian Army and the Nigerian Police Force to immediately bolster security in the constituency by deploying additional personnel to safeguard lives and property.

He also urged the Federal Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy to investigate how bandits are exploiting telecommunications and financial systems for ransom payments.

Dalhatu emphasized the need for close collaboration with law enforcement to disrupt the communication and financial channels used by these criminals.

Following the motion’s adoption, the House referred it to the Committees on Defence, Army, Police, and National Security for further legislative action.

They also observed a minute of silence to honor those killed by bandits and extended condolences to the families of the deceased.

BREAKING; Atiku writes Senate, proposes rotational presidency among six geo-political regions

Former Presidential Candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2023 general election, Atiku Abubakar has submitted a comprehensive set of constitutional amendments to the National Assembly, including a significant proposal for a rotational presidency among Nigeria’s six regions.

In a letter dated August 30, 2024, addressed to Senator Barau Jibrin, the Deputy President of the Senate and Chairman of the Senate Committee on Constitution Review, Atiku shared his ideas to improve Nigeria’s democracy.

His proposals seek to address critical shortcomings in existing electoral laws while promoting national unity and fair competition for political positions.

A central element of Atiku’s recommendations is the establishment of a rotational presidency, which would alternate between the North and South, with each zone serving a single six-year term. Atiku believes this measure would foster equity and national cohesion at the highest level of government.

“The office of the president shall rotate among the six geopolitical zones of the Federation on a single term of six years, alternating between the North and South,” he stated, proposing amendments to Section 130(1) of the 1999 Constitution. He also called for changes to Sections 135(2) and 137(1)(b) to support this framework.

In addition to the rotational presidency, Atiku’s proposals focus on enhancing internal democracy within political parties and tightening the legal framework governing elections in Nigeria. He emphasized the importance of stronger regulations to prevent manipulation of party structures and violations of electoral laws.

Among his suggestions are raising the minimum educational qualifications for candidates and instituting stricter oversight of party operations to prevent violent takeovers and ensure adherence to electoral rules. Atiku noted that indiscipline within political parties has often led to disorder, undermining democratic principles.

“These amendments will establish the discipline necessary for a healthy democracy,” he stated, pointing out that the lack of internal control has exacerbated Nigeria’s electoral challenges.

Atiku’s recommendations also address broader concerns within Nigeria’s electoral system, advocating for constitutional amendments to reduce the likelihood of political parties violating electoral laws and the Constitution. He warned that without these changes, the nation’s democratic system would continue to experience instability, particularly as the National Assembly works to revise the 1999 Constitution.