Atiku says life getting cheaper as Ejeh Ankpa abducted, Emir of Kaura Namoda attacked, aides killed

A first class traditional ruler in Kogi State, the Ejeh Ankpa has been abducted, just as he stepped into a mosque to offer his early morning Friday prayers.

His abduction at about 5.30 a.m. comes as former Vice President of Nigeria, Atiku Abubakar expressed sadness and outrage over the brutal murder of aides and security details of Emir of Kaura Namoda, Alhaji Sanusi Muhammad Asha by bandits who attacked his convoy. 

Ankpa’s Alhaji Shuaibu Usman is the latest in a series of kidnaps in Ankpa, Kogi State in months. A few weeks ago, a prominent private medical practitioner with a popular hospital in the town was abducted, and was nor released until an unspecified amount was paid by his family.

The Police confirmed the incident and said efforts were on to rescue the traditional ruler.

Reacting to the attack on the convoy of the Kaura Namoda emir, in which two other persons were also killed, Atiku explained that the rate at which life is becoming cheaper is worrisome.

The Emir’s convoy was targeted in the north-western state of Zamfara, which borders Katsina where a whopping number of 344 students were freed on Thursday by abductors after six days in the forests between the two states. Mohammed Asha was on his way from Abuja when he was attacked.

According to Atiku, the frequency and ease with which the bandits are killing innocent people almost on a daily basis is embarrassing and should be halted lest outlaws are allowed to rule over affairs.

The Wazirin Adamawa added that a situation where the people are afraid to leave their homes for the fear of their lives being terminated by bandits is a cause for anxiety and the government response should be tougher and more proactive than what obtains currently.

“Condemnation of attacks is not enough to reassure citizens who are constantly living in fear”, the former Vice President noted adding that “the government should speed up the prosecution of terrorists and bandits in order to send a strong message to these outlaws that there are consequences for wilful taking of life”.

Atiku commiserated with the families of all those who may have lost a dear one,  Emir Muhammad Asha, the Kaura Namoda Emirate Council and the government and people of Zamfara State over the tragedy.