In a shocking incident, 75-year-old Hajiya Halima Adamu, mother of renowned Hausa political singer Dauda Adamu, widely known as Rarara, was kidnapped in the early hours of Friday. The abduction took place at her residence in Kahutu village, Danja Local Government Area of Katsina State.
According to a local resident, the kidnapping occurred around 1:00 am when a group of armed bandits, carrying AK-47 rifles, invaded the village. The attackers, who were reportedly barefoot, swiftly made their way to Mrs. Adamu’s home and abducted her, leaving other occupants of the house unharmed.
“The bandits stormed the village barefoot and operated for a few minutes. Upon their arrival in the village, the bandits went straight to the residence of the victim and picked only her, ignoring other people they met in the house,” the resident recounted.
Efforts to reach Rarara for comments were unsuccessful as he did not respond to multiple calls. However, the police in Katsina State have confirmed the incident. Abubakar Sadiq, the police spokesperson, provided an update on the case, revealing that two suspects have been arrested for questioning.
Sadiq explained that the Danja Divisional Police Headquarters received a report about the kidnapping around 1:30 am.
“Upon receipt of the report, promptly, the DPO Danja led a team of operatives to the scene with a view to arresting the culprits and ensuring the safe rescue of the victim. During the investigation, two suspects were arrested for questioning. Further development will be communicated in due course as the investigation proceeds,” Sadiq stated.
The kidnapping of Mrs. Adamu has sent shockwaves through the local community, highlighting the ongoing security challenges in the region. Residents are deeply concerned about the increasing frequency of such incidents and are calling for more effective measures to protect lives and property.
Local leaders and residents have urged the authorities to intensify their efforts in combating banditry and kidnapping in the area. “We are living in fear every day. The government needs to do something to protect us and our loved ones. It’s not safe anymore,” said one concerned resident.
This abduction is part of a broader pattern of insecurity that has plagued Katsina State and other parts of Northern Nigeria. Banditry, kidnapping, and other forms of violent crime have become rampant, with many communities living under the constant threat of attack.
Security experts have emphasized the need for a comprehensive approach to address these issues. This includes not only increasing the presence of security forces but also improving intelligence gathering and community policing initiatives.
As the investigation continues, the police have assured the public that they are doing everything possible to rescue Mrs. Adamu safely and to bring the perpetrators to justice. The community remains hopeful that she will be found unharmed and that this incident will prompt a more robust response to the security challenges they face.
In the meantime, residents of Kahutu village and the surrounding areas are urged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the authorities. The collective effort of the community and the security forces is crucial in tackling the menace of banditry and kidnapping in the region.
The abduction of Hajiya Halima Adamu underscores the urgent need for enhanced security measures to protect vulnerable communities and ensure the safety of all citizens.