Notorious Kidnapping’ Gang Leader Behind Kaduna Catholic Church Attack Arrested
The notorious kidnappers’ gang leader, Saidu Yakubu, also known as “Ismail,” has been apprehended by the police in Kaduna State. The latest arrest was made in a recent operation in
collaboration with the military.
In a statement made available to journalists on Sunday, the spokesperson for the State Police Command, ASP Mansir Hassan, revealed that the suspect was captured on Friday, March 22, 2024.
The gang is believed to be responsible for the attack that took place on September 7, 2023, at St. Raphael Catholic Church, Fadan Kamanta, Kafanchan Diocese, in the Jema’ah Local Government
Area of Kaduna State.
Reports had it that the parish house of the Catholic Church was set on fire during the attack, resulting in the tragic death of a seminarian named Na’aman Danladi.
“In a commendable display of swift action and dedication to public safety, the Kaduna State Police Command, under the leadership of Commissioner Ali Dabigi, has successfully apprehended a
notorious kidnapper, Yakubu Saidu, also known as Ismail ‘M’, who was involved in banditry, culpable homicide and mischief by fire.
“On September 7, 2023, at approximately 2030hrs, the Officer in Charge of Fadan Kamanta, Zonkwa, alerted authorities of a distressing situation at St. Raphael Catholic Church, Kamantan,
where suspected kidnappers had launched an attack. Despite the urgency of the situation, police operatives, in collaboration with military personnel, swiftly mobilised to the scene,” Hassan
confirmed in the statement.
“Regrettably, the suspects had already set ablaze the priest’s residence before the arrival of the security personnel. Despite the valiant efforts, one seminarian, Stephen Naaman, tragically lost his
life in the inferno and property worth millions of naira, including a Honda vehicle and a motorcycle, were consumed by the fire.
“Due to diligence and the tireless pursuit of the issue by the police, on March 22, 2024, one Yakubu Saidu, the alleged mastermind and leader of the notorious kidnapping gang, was apprehended
and he confessed to his involvement in the heinous crime.”
He stated that the state Commissioner of Police commended the police operatives for the swift and effective response to the distress call.
“Their dedication and bravery are a testament to their commitment to protecting the lives and property of the citizens of Kaduna State,” SaharaReporters quoted the police mouthpiece to have
disclosed. Hassan further assured the public of the command’s unwavering resolve to combat crime and ensure the safety and security of all residents in the state.
