Wamakko associate kidnapped in Sokoto

Alhaji Abu Dankure, one of Sokoto’s wealthy businessmen, was stopped by four gunmen who ordered his driver and one other person out of the car before they drove away with their victim.The kidnappers have made no contact yet with members of his family. A family member, Alhaji Awwalu Ila, who spoke on BBC Hausa Service […]

Alhaji Abu Dankure, one of Sokoto’s wealthy businessmen, was stopped by four gunmen who ordered his driver and one other person out of the car before they drove away with their victim.
The kidnappers have made no contact yet with members of his family. A family member, Alhaji Awwalu Ila, who spoke on BBC Hausa Service yesterday, said he called Dankure’s telephone soon after the incident but had no conversation with the kidnappers.
“I called Baba’s number as soon as I was told and somebody answered speaking in English. I identified myself but he shouted at me and switched off the phone. I could hear Baba praying in the background and they shouted at him asking himto keep quite. Since then we never heard from him and they did not call back,” he said.
Dankure was said to have left with his driver, Hussaini Shehu, and a friend who was later identified to be an Islamic scholar, Alhaji Abubakar Gada.
According to the driver, the kidnappers were four in number and came in a Honda Hennessy car around 9pm. He said they were well armed and fired several shots in the air to scare people away from the scene.
“After shooting sporadically in the air, they pointed their guns at us and ordered me and the Islamic scholar to get out of the car, leaving only Alhaji inside.
“After they pushed us out, one of them took over the wheel while two of the hoodlums sandwiched Alhaji at the rare seat before speeding away. The two cars took off in different directions”, he added.
The cleric, Malam Abubakar Gada said they were trailed by the kidnappers after leaving the governor’s house. He said they prayed Maghrib and Isha’i at the Shehu Mosque before going to meet the governor at his residence.
After leaving the government house they visited the site where Dankure was constructing a shopping plaza along Western bye-pass, Sokoto.
Gada, who was still looking traumatised, said as soon as they arrived at the site, the kidnappers struck, shooting sporadically to scare people in the area before whisking Alhaji Abu away.
“We were just lucky to escape unhurt but I don’t know about Alhaji who is still with them”, he said.
Sokoto State Commissioner of Police  Alhaji Shu’aibu Gambo confirmed the incident saying his men have intensified search for the kidnappers and their victim.
Gambo said all entry and exit points in Sokoto have been blocked by the police, assuring that his men would not relent until they fished out the kidnappers.
Police spokesman DSP Almustapha Sani said the kidnappers later abandoned Alhaji Abu’s car, a Toyota Camry, at Durbawa, near Kware Local Government Area. When Daily Trust visited the house of the victim at Kanwuri, one of his sons, Alhaji Nura Abu told our reporter that the family was in shock.
“We are sad and grieving over the incident. We appeal to his kidnappers to sympathise with us and release our father unconditionally,” he said.
The elder brother of Dankure, Alhaji Mamman Dangaladima, said his brother has been living peacefully with the people and that he is known for his kindness and philanthropic work.
He said his brother holds the title of Sarkin Fadan Sarkin Musulmi and that the incident had been reported to the Sultan of Sokoto, the governor and security agencies.
Alhaji Abu is a transporter, supplier, and contractor and has been in property business for decades.