By Salisu Hamisu Ali
The families of 13 Tijjaniyya sect followers from Kano State, who were allegedly kidnapped nine months ago in Burkina Faso have renewed their appeal to Bola Ahmed Tinubu Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf to intervene.
The families also called on National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, and leaders of the Tijjaniyya order to secure the release of their loved ones.
PRIME TIME NEWS reports that the victims were allegedly abducted in September, 2024, on their way to Kaolak, Senegal, to attend the the Tijjaniyya annual gathering.
Speaking to PRIME TIME NEWS correspondent in Kano, wife of one of the victims, who identified herself as Amina, told our correspondent that she has been worried and in difficulty since her husband was declared missing.
Amina, who scantily spoke with our correspondent because she did not want to talk as she is still in trauma, said she still hopes hwr husband would be back sooner or later
According to Amina, a mother of three, life had been difficult for months since the missing of her husband as she is finding it hard to feed herself and the children.
“They travel and return safely every year, but this time they have not come back. We are in distress over his absence.
“Life has not been the same because he is the one taking care of us. In his absence, i find it difficult to take care of our three children. People that came to our help are seemed to be tired. We are in difficulty,” she decried.
The wife called on authorities to intervene and ensure the freedom of her husband and his colleagues.
Bashir Tijjani, a relative of one of the abducted persons, said the families have lived in fear and uncertainty since the incident occurred.
He said despite numerous efforts, there had been little progress in securing their release, or knowing their whereabouts.
“They left Sheikh Malam Tijjani ‘Yan mota’s Zawiyya on September 7, traveling through Niger Republic to Burkina Faso on their way to Senegal,” Bashir recounted. “However, between the Niger and Burkina Faso border, armed men intercepted them, released three women in the group, and took the remaining 13 men into the forest.”
Bashir said the families have reached out to Tijjaniyya leaders at home and abroad, including Emir Sanusi II. According to him, the Emir took steps by connecting them with a representative who traveled to Niger and met with the Emir of Damagaram to gather information.
“The Emir of Damagaram offered explanations and made assurances. Upon returning, we reported the matter to the police headquarters in Kano, and from there it was transferred to Abuja,” he added.
He noted, however, that there has been no official update or concrete response from either the national or Kano State chapters of the Tijjaniyya order. He praised individuals like Alhaji Hadi Daura, who has expended personal resources in efforts to secure the victims’ release.
The families are now calling on government authorities, security agencies, and religious leaders to act swiftly to rescue their relatives, whose whereabouts and condition remain unknown.
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