A councillor representing Gwantu Ward in Sanga Local Government Area of Kaduna State, David Ali, has regained his freedom after spending four days in the custody of kidnappers.
Ali was abducted late Thursday night when armed men stormed his residence in Gwantu town. The attackers, reportedly five in number and armed with sophisticated weapons, whisked him away in the presence of his family shortly after midnight, throwing the community into panic.
Confirming the development in an exclusive interview on Tuesday, the Chairman of Sanga Local Government, Anto Usman, said the councillor was released between 8 p.m. and 9 p.m. on Monday.
While describing the security situation in the area as “relatively stable,” Usman admitted that isolated incidents were still being recorded, blaming them on 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. So far this year, four arrests have been made, and those suspects are already facing prosecution.
The security situation is one we will overcome in no distant time. Insecurity is inevitable, considering the complex nature of human society,” he stated.
The chairman also commended Governor Uba Sani for fostering stronger collaboration among security agencies across the state, noting that the intervention was helping restore calm in many troubled communities.
A resident, who pleaded anonymity for security reasons, revealed that Ali was released in a bush near the Ninzo community after his family reportedly paid a ₦4 million ransom.
“His return is nothing short of an answer to prayers, and we are grateful to God for sparing his life,” the resident said.
The abduction had sparked outrage and fear across Gwantu, as both security operatives and local vigilantes were unable to rescue the lawmaker before the ransom was 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 unsuccessful as he neither responded to calls nor replied to text messages as of press time.
