The Katsina State government has confirmed the abduction of the winner of the Quranic recitation competition in the state, Abdulsalam Rabiu-Faskari, his father, and his brother.
The victims were abducted on Thursday after they were honoured by Governor Dikko Radda for Abdulsalam’s outstanding performance during the National Qur’anic recitation competition held in Kebbi State.
The state’s Commissioner for Information and Culture, Dr. Bala Salisu-Zango, confirmed the news in a statement on Friday in Katsina.
He said the victims are still alive but in the custody of their abductors.
The commissioner said Abdulsalami would represent Nigeria in reciting the whole Quran at the forthcoming international edition of the competition.
He said: “The attention of Katsina State Government has been drawn to the recent media reports and condolence messages contained in a press statement signed by Special Advisor to Kebbi Governor on Media and Publicity.
“It was to the effect that the kidnapped winner of National Qur’anic recitation competition, Hafizul Qur’an and ABU final year Medical student from Katsina State, Abdussalam Rabiu-Faskari was killed by his abductors.
“We appreciate the kind gesture, concern, and compassion shown by the Kebbi Government over the unfortunate incident,
“We, however, wish to state that bandits really abducted the Quranic recitation competition winner, Rabiu-Faskari, his father and brother.
“But information reaching the government indicates that they are still alive and healthy in the custody of their abductors.”
Salisu-Zango said the kidnappers demanded a N30 million ransom from the victims’ family on Friday.