THE Katsina State Government has disclosed that Nura Aliyu Garwa, identified as a suspected mastermind of a kidnapping syndicate allegedly involved in the abduction of an eight-year-old boy in Katsina metropolis, had earlier been suspended from his position as Senior Special Assistant (SSA) to Governor Dikko Umaru Radda on Community Development.
The disclosure was contained in a statement sent to News Point Nigeria on Monday by the Katsina State Commissioner for Information and Culture, Bala Salisu Zango.
According to the statement, Garwa was suspended from office over allegations bordering on the diversion of empowerment materials meant for communities in Batsari Local Government Area under the state’s Community Development Programme.
The government further revealed that following his suspension, Garwa later expressed interest in contesting for a seat in the Katsina State House of Assembly to represent Batsari Local Government Area.
Reacting to the latest development, Governor Dikko Umaru Radda reportedly described the activities of the alleged syndicate as unfortunate, expressing concern that an individual with a public profile and political ambition could be linked to such serious allegations.
The statement also noted that the governor commended the Katsina State Police Command and other security agencies for their sustained efforts in tackling insecurity and intensifying operations against criminal activities across the state.
The development follows the recent parade of suspects by the Katsina State Police Command over their alleged connection to a kidnapping syndicate linked to the abduction of an eight-year-old boy at Sardauna Estate in Katsina metropolis.
A former aide to the state governor was said to have been linked to the syndicate during the police investigation.
The incident has since generated serious concern among residents and political observers in the state over the growing complexity of insecurity and allegations involving individuals with public and political backgrounds.
