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A wave of celebration has swept through the Zango community in Gulani Local Government Area of Yobe state, following the arrest of a local traditional ruler over his alleged involvement in kidnapping.
Detectives of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF), following completion of investigations, recently arrested one Lawan Ganga, who is a traditional ruler and Village Head of Azere Community in Gujba LGA of Yobe state.
He was alleged to coordinate the activities of a deadly gang of bandits in both Gulani and Gujba local government areas of Yobe state.
A press statement by a Zango Community Leader, Yakubu Ibrahim, said the Police had been petitoned over the alleged involvement of the monarch in the heinous act leading to his arrest.
He said residents of the community have commended the efforts of the men and officers of the NPF to protect the lives and property of residents of the area.
Ibrahim disclosed that in the early hours of September 18, 2026, Police detectives from the Force Headquarters apprehended the traditional ruler who is alleged to be the kingpin of the kidnapping gang.
The community leader recalled that “On June 12, some kidnappers suspected to be headed by Lawan Ganga started an ethnic cleansing of residents of Zango Community in Gulani Local Government Area of Yobe state.
“This resulted in several serial attacks, killings and maiming of over 200 innocent indigenes and members of Zango Community. Many were left homeless and in traumatic fear for their lives.
“On July 16, 2024, an elder statesman in Zango Community was killed while working in his farm. Also, on July 19, 2024, the notorious killer-gang returned and attacked the community, leaving several resident dead and many unaccounted for.”
The community leader, who was full of praises for the men and officers of the NPF said: “Lawan Ganga is currently in police net.”
He bemoaned the fact that “The criminal elements do not only kill residents of Zango Community, they also kidnap them,” stating that: “On November 7, 2024, the marauders changed tactics and kidnapped members of the community to an unknown destination and requested for ransom.
“Seven attacks have so far been recorded in the community. The worst attack took place on August 9, 2025, which left many people dead and several wounded. “
The bandits, according to him, further attacked nearby Dokshi Village Dispensary, carting away drugs worth millions of naira and also burnt the village Primary school, “all in an effort to displace the entire community.”
He, however, expressed concern that all the attacks were duly reported to the Gujba Emirate Council headed by the Emir of Gujba, His Royal Highness Alhaji (Dr) Mai Mukhtar Ibn Ali, but that “there was no meaningful response from either the Emir or the emirate.”
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