Abducted Katsina Businessman, Alhaji Balan Auwal, Died After Weeks in Captivity
Tragedy has struck Malumfashi Local Government Area of Katsina State, as Alhaji Balan Auwal Mai Gwanjo, a well-known businessman, has died in captivity after being abducted alongside his son, Saifullahi, by armed bandits.
Sources confirmed that the family received a heartbreaking call on Sunday from the captors, informing them of his death. Alhaji Balan Auwal was reportedly kidnapped during a terrifying attack on Malumfashi town. The bandits stormed the area, shooting sporadically and engaging in a fierce gun duel with security forces.
Despite the efforts of security personnel, the assailants succeeded in abducting the elderly businessman and his son. It remains unclear if the son has been released or is still in captivity.
The late Alhaji Balan Auwal was a respected figure in the community, popularly known as “Mai Gwanjo.” His death adds to the growing toll of victims from persistent insecurity in northern Nigeria, particularly Katsina State, which has been plagued by banditry and mass abductions.
