Gunmen believed to be kidnappers have killed a former governorship aspirant in Zamfara State, Alhaji Sagir Hamidu, on the Abuja-Kaduna highway.
Many passengers were also kidnapped by the gunmen who operated between 2 to 4pm on the federal highway which links North Western states to the Federal Capital Territory Abuja.
Dateline Nigeria reports that Hamidu, who held the traditional title of Sarkin Rafin Gusau, was also a former FCT Director of Protocol as well as the CEO of FAMAKS British Schools in Abuja and Kaduna. He was a governorship aspirant under the All Progressives Congress (APC).
A brother of the deceased politician, Mohammed Sirajo Hamidu told the BBC Hausa that the gunmen opened fire on his brother’s vehicle after the driver tried to turn back towards Kaduna.
“Kidnappers blocked the road and when they noticed the danger, they tried to turn back, but three gunmen came out from the bush and opened fire on them. A bullet hit him on his chest and another on his leg,” the brother said.
He added that the gunmen abducted his brother’s police guard, but the driver escaped.
Though no figure has yet been establsihed as to the number of people kidnapped, videos and photos posted on social media by traveller showed many vehicles abandoned on the road with no occupants.
But some are putting the number at around 40.
A traveller said “Many travellers were kidnapped while others escaped into the bush because we have seen at least 15 empty vehicles on the road at the time we passed.”
The Kaduna State Police Command is not immediately available for comment.
