The Katsina State Government said the winner of the Quranic recitation competition, Abdulsalam Rabiu-Faskari, his father and brother are still alive, but in the custody of their abductors.

This is contained in a statement by the Commissioner for Information and Culture, Dr Bala Salisu-Zango, on Friday in Katsina.

Recall that the victims were abducted two days ago on their way to Faskari from Katsina, after they were honoured by Governor Dikko Radda, for his outstanding performance during the National Qur’anic recitation competition held in Kebbi.

Mr Salisu-Zango said that the winner would represent Nigeria in the recitation of the whole Quran at the forthcoming international edition of the competition.

He said, “The attention of the Katsina State Government has been drawn to recent media reports and condolence messages contained in a press statement signed by the Special on Media and Publicity to the Kebbi State governor. It was to the effect that the kidnapped winner of the National Qur’anic recitation competition, Hafizul Qur’an and an ABU final year Medical student from Katsina State, Abdussalam Rabiu-Faskari were killed by his abductors. We appreciate the kind gesture, concern and compassion shown by the Kebbi State Government over the unfortunate incident. We, however, wish to state that the Quranic recitation competition winner, Rabiu-Faskari, his father and brother were abducted by bandits. But information reaching the government indicates that they are still alive and healthy in the custody of their abductors.’’

Mr Salisu-Zango further said that as of Friday, their abductors were demanding N30 million ransom from their family.

The commissioner quoted Mr Radda as describing the kidnapping of the young talented student, alongside his father and brother as unfortunate.

The governor was quoted as saying, “My heart is with the victims, their family, relatives and friends, and we pray they safely regain freedom. Government will take concrete actions to rescue and ensure the safe return of the abducted victims, as rescue effort is being put in place.’’

The governor also urged the security agents to put all hands on deck to ensure the safe rescue of the victims.

Mr Radda reiterated the commitment of his administration to addressing the prevailing security challenges in the state.

He further called on the people to fervently pray for the safety and freedom of Rabiu-Faskari and others from the hands of their abductors.

(NAN)