Residents of Burra Community in Ningi Local Government Area of Bauchi State have expressed concern over the fate of their leader Alhaji Mato Burra, Kauran Burra, after his abductors failed to release him despite collecting N5m ransom.
Alhaji Mato Burra, a politician and coordinator of Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed in Ningi LG, was abducted on his farm mid February this year.
Many people, who spoke to reporters about the incident, said since the kidnap, the whereabouts of the politician has neither been known nor traced. “Dead or alive, nobody could tell,” they said.
A credible family source said there has been communication with him by his relatives through whatever means despite the ransom payment.
“We are worried because of his deteriorating health condition. And to their dismay, all efforts invested by his family, friends, associates and sympathizers, have so far being in vain,” he said.
Residents of the community appealed to the relevant security agencies and the Bauchi State Government to rise to the challenge and expedite actions that will lead to the release of Alhaji Mato Burra.
The Public Relations Officer of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Bauchi State Alhaji Yayanuwa Zainabari said after he was abducted, the kidnappers contacted the family and asked them to deliver ransom at a bush in Katsina State.
However, even those who delivered the ransom money were held and kept until money was paid for their release.
Zainabari said the party, the government and the security agencies are doing their possible best to secure his release safely.
When contacted, the Bauchi State Police Public Relations Officer SP Mohammed Ahmed Wakil said he would have to contact the Divisional Police Office in Ningi before he will respond.