Victim : How I escaped from bandits who didn’t know their way in the forest

By REJOICE ILIYA

One of the victims abducted by bandits has narrated his escape.

According to Sheikh Gumi, an Islamic Cleric, the victim, an engineer, narrated how he broke away from his captors at a forest in Kaduna.

The Sheik gave the account while reacting to Femi Adesina, presidential spokesman’s position on the aerial bombardment of bandits in the North West.

Adesina had justified the military action against bandits but Gumi disagreed with him.

“Just yesterday, two contingents of banditry victims came to me that their loved ones were abducted by bandits in Kaduna suburbs – Rigachukun and Keke.”

“An escapee engineer in the later said, when he overheard and understood that they (bandits) were strangers in the area as they were calling the locals to lead them, that gave him the courage to slip through densely grown maize plantations to escape.”

Gumi buttressed his point by saying armed gangs will migrate to other parts of the country if their base is on fire.

“The point is that, if Zamfara is on fire for them, definitely it goes without saying that they will migrate to other areas. So, is the whole of Nigeria going to be under lock-up in incommunicado?

“By the way, what you may not hear is that the bandits over the years have developed escape routes from aerial bombardments. They told us: you can only kill our women and children with your attacks!

“As for the economic impact of the areas now under siege, it’s just a matter of time, you’ll hear them crying out.

“Already yesterday a man from Tsafe came begging because of economic stagnation, one would have thought that Gusau the capital is closer than Kaduna to beg.

“As for those cynics that have no value to add in the dilemma except vituperation, and abuses, we know that is the substance they are made up of. No qualms whatsoever! You don’t expect fragrance from feaces.

“So, what is the solution? Good Intelligence! Good proficient policing, engagement of the local herdsmen in policing, rehabilitation, reconciliation, and reparation of all victims of banditry.” (Daily Trust)