An Islamic group, Jama’atu Izalatil Bid’ah Wa’ikamatis Sunnah, JIBWIS, says 20 members of its First Aid Group, FAG, have been kidnapped in Katsina.
According to the National Chairman of the ‘Ulama’ Council of the group, Sani Jingir, who addressed journalists on Sunday at the headquarters of the group in Jos, the victims were kidnapped on December 23 in Jibiya Local Government Area of Katsina State.
The Ulama Council is the highest spiritual organ of the religious organisation.
The victims, he said, were on their way back to Sokoto State, after attending a first aid camp in Dutse, the capital of Jigawa State.
“Our members of the First Aid Group from Sokoto state on their way home were kidnapped after they have left Jibya in Katsina State before they entered Zamfara State.
“The kidnappers peacefully stopped them, took them out of their bus, before moving them into the bush. Their bus was abandoned and we were able to retrieve it,” he said.
The leader expressed shock that the incident happened to caregivers. He told journalists that President Buhari had called him to express sympathy about the kidnap.
When asked if the kidnappers have contacted the group, Jingir said so far no one has contacted them.
“As at the time of this conference, nobody has contacted us. It is very unfortunate.
“I urge the kidnappers to fear Allah, they should know that the hostages were only first aiders, nobody is paying them salary, they only render help to people,” he added.