The people of Maru local government in Zamfara state have expressed concerns over the fate of their relations still in kidnappers, soliciting public help to raise ransom to secure their relations’ lives and freedom.
This was revealed in the announcement after the Jumat prayer Friday at the late Sheikh Abubakar Mahmud Gummi Jumu’at Mosque in Talata Mafara where people of Maru had run for cover as a result of frequent bandits’ attacks.
According to local resident and community chronicler, Dahiru Samaila Mafara, “The usual scene has always been wedding announcements, special prayers for community concerns.
“But today, a new and heartbreaking reality has taken over. The majority of announcements are now desperate pleas for help to pay ransom for relatives held captive by bandits, with families unable to meet the demands of their captors.”
Community members who spoke after the Jumat prayers expressed fears about what the trend meant for safety and social cohesion in the area.
Sources told Blueprint Weekend that they had fled Mayanchi town in Maru for fear of insecurity.
Locals said they had lost relatives to the conflict, while others said their family members were still in captivity.
