Tensions continue to rise in the Yan-maulu community of Baure local government area of Katsina State as residents staged a peaceful protest demanding justice over the kidnapping of Zulaihat Sidi and her infant.
The demonstrators also called for the immediate suspension of their acting District Head, Iliya Mantau, over his alleged role in the incident.
Mantau, 52, has been in detention for more than eight months following his arrest in connection with the abduction of Zulaihat and her three-month-old child from Angwan Rai village on October 21, 2022.
The victims were released after spending eight harrowing days in captivity, during which Zulaihat’s husband reportedly paid a ransom of N20 million.
Residents, waving placards bearing messages such as “Justice for Alhaji Sidi’s Wife,” “No One is Above the Law, Dr Dikko Radda,” and “Say No to Kidnapping,” expressed outrage over what they described as attempts by some elements within the Daura Emirate Council to influence Mantau’s release.
“We demand justice for Zulaihat and her child,” said Mohammed Abdullahi, a resident of Yanmaulu. “Since the arrest of Iliya Mantau and seven others, there has been peace no kidnappings, no rustling, no attacks. If he returns, we fear that the insecurity will come back.”
Abdullahi emphasised that at least seven other suspects arrested in connection with the case had allegedly confessed to being Mantau’s accomplices.
Ibrahim Shehu, another community member, reiterated the call for a thorough investigation and prosecution. “We urge Governor Dikko Umaru Radda to intervene. Justice must not be compromised,” he stated.
Meanwhile, the Daura Emirate Council has so far declined to comment on the issue.
As the call for justice gains momentum, the spotlight now falls on both the state government and security agencies to ensure that the voices of Yan-maulu residents are not silenced and that justice, indeed, prevails.
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