The bandits hijacked a popular business, Tony Udemezue, in the city of Tambuwal, Sokoto state, on Monday morning.
Mr. Udemezue, a member of the Sokoto Diocese Catholic Church, was abducted from his residence.
The Director of Communication for the Catholic Diocese of Sokoto, Father Christopher Omotosho, confirmed the kidnapping on Monday afternoon.
He requested prayers for the safe release of the businessman and his family.
Mr. Omotosho said that Mr. Udemezeu was kidnapped by the bandits at around 2 a.m.
A short statement from Mr. Omotosho read: One of my parishioners in Tambuwal, Sokoto State, Tony Udemezue, has just been kidnapped from his own home (hometown of the State Executive Governor, Aminu Tambuwal).
“No police have responded in the last hour (since 2am) even though he called them before they took him away. Please keep him and his family in prayer.”
Sokoto Police Command spokesman Sanusi Abubakar did not respond to calls and SMS sent to him PREMIUM TIMES.
Banditry is the code name in the region for organized crimes such as kidnapping, cattle rustling, mass kidnapping, arson and even armed robbery.
What began as clashes between farmers and herders turned into cattle rustling before access to small arms encouraged criminals to start raiding villages.
Factors such as mass poverty, illiteracy, and a porous border with the Republic of Niger have compounded security concerns for both the government and the people.
Over the years, attacks have become routine in the north-west, especially in Zamfara, Katsina, Sokoto, Kaduna and Kebbi with Niger state in the north-central part of the country.
Banditry has disrupted the lives of thousands of people. Farmers are prevented from farming. Those who want to farm are required to pay taxes before they are allowed to farm.
Many have abandoned their farms due to the incessant attacks on their communities. Those who brave the odds to work on their farms risk having their produce burn during or near harvest.