By Israel Bulus, Kaduna
A councillor representing Gwantu Ward in Sanga local government Area of Kaduna State, Hon. David Ali, has regained his freedom after spending four days in the custody of kidnappers.
Ali, who was abducted last Thursday night from his residence in Gwantu, was released on Monday night, bringing relief to his family, colleagues, and political associates.
Confirming the development in an exclusive interview with PUNCH Online on Tuesday, the chairman of Sanga local government, Hon. Anto Usman, said the councillor was released between 8 and 9 pm on Monday.
Usman explained that while security in the council area was relatively stable, there were still “pockets of incidents” being recorded. He attributed some of the challenges to the activities of informants aiding criminal groups.
“We’re trying to curb most of the hotspots and we’re holding periodic security meetings to ensure our local government is safer for our people,” the chairman said.
“So far this year, four arrests have been made and those suspects are facing prosecution. The security situation is one we will overcome in no distant time. You know insecurity is inevitable considering the complex nature of human society,” he added.
The chairman commended governor Uba Sani for strengthening synergy among security agencies across the state, saying such efforts were helping to restore calm in many troubled areas.
A resident, who pleaded anonymity for security reasons, told PUNCH that the councillor was released in a bush around Ninzo community.
“His return is nothing short of an answer to prayers, and we are grateful to God for sparing his life,” the source said.
The resident revealed that about five armed men, wielding sophisticated weapons, stormed Ali’s residence on Thursday night while he was asleep with his family. The attackers whisked him away to an undisclosed location, sparking fear and tension across the community.
The source added that despite the intervention of security operatives and local vigilantes, the kidnappers still demanded ransom. Ali was eventually released after N4m was reportedly paid.
Meanwhile, party stakeholders, constituents, and supporters have flooded social media with messages of relief, describing Ali as “a true representative of the people” who endured a harrowing ordeal.
Efforts to reach the spokesperson of the Kaduna State Police Command, DSP Mansir Hassan, proved abortive as he neither responded to calls nor replied to text messages sent to him as of press time.
