Two Dead, Three Injured in Tsiga’s Abduction
The abduction of retired Major General Maharazu Tsiga, former Director General of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), by suspected terrorists has raised significant concern in Katsina State. The incident occurred late Wednesday night at his residence in Tsiga, Bakori Local Government Area, where a group of armed men stormed the area, abducting Tsiga and five others. Tragically, two residents lost their lives in the attack, and three others sustained injuries. The attack has caused widespread panic in the community, with some locals fleeing the area due to fear of further violence.
Confirming the abduction, Katsina State Police Command spokesperson, DSP Abubakar Sadiq, assured that efforts were being made in collaboration with sister security agencies to ensure the safe return of Tsiga and the other victims. The authorities are working tirelessly to resolve the situation and bring those responsible to justice.
The abduction has sparked reactions from local leaders and security experts. Alhaji Aliyu Sani Mohammed, Secretary of the Katsina State Elders Forum, expressed deep concern over the incident. He emphasized that despite the efforts of Governor Malam Dikko Radda to address the growing insecurity in the state, incidents like this continue to plague the region. Mohammed praised General Tsiga for his philanthropy and dedication to his community, noting that it was rare for individuals of his stature to live among the people they serve. He called for the swift release of the retired general, hoping for divine intervention in the matter.
Mr. AbdulRahman Abdullahi, Chairman of the Coalition of Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) in Katsina, criticized the federal government for its insufficient response to the growing insecurity in the region. He stressed that while the state government is doing its best, it is the federal government that controls key security forces like the military and police. Abdullahi called for increased federal involvement, not just in reactive operations, but in proactive measures to prevent such attacks before they occur. He also pointed out that communities often report movements of bandits ahead of time, but the response from security forces is often inadequate.
Security experts, including Ibrahim Ahmed-Katsina, former Special Adviser on Security to the Katsina State Governor, have urged the need for greater community involvement in security matters. Ahmed-Katsina emphasized the importance of community policing under government regulation, stating that without collective action, everyone becomes a potential victim of violence. He also suggested that communities should collaborate more closely with security agencies, noting that security forces alone cannot cover every location in the state. He expressed hope for the quick rescue of General Tsiga, praying for the success of ongoing efforts to bring him home safely.
As the search for General Tsiga and the other victims continues, the incident has highlighted the urgent need for stronger security measures and community cooperation to combat the escalating threats posed by terrorists and bandits in the region.
