Local Government Chairman Beaten Over Unpaid Campaign Loan in Niger State
Danlamin Abdullahi Saku, the Chairman of Katcha Local Government Area in Niger State, was severely beaten by assailants over an unpaid debt of over N1 million. The debt was reportedly owed to a local creditor, Alhaji Yanda.
Sources revealed that the incident occurred on Sunday when the creditor sent a group of men to demand repayment from Saku. Instead of addressing the matter, Saku allegedly slapped one of the messengers, leading to a physical altercation during which he was severely beaten.
Following the attack, Saku was initially treated at the General Hospital Katcha before being transferred to another hospital for further medical care.
An insider from Saku’s political party, who requested anonymity, stated that the assault was carried out by party supporters frustrated with Saku’s failure to repay the campaign loan that had helped him secure his position as council chairman. The insider also mentioned that Saku’s vehicle had previously been seized by the creditor but was returned after intervention by party leaders.
Confirming the incident, SP Wasiu Abiodun, the Public Relations Officer for the Niger State Police Command, said that on June 16, 2024, information was received that Chairman Saku was attacked by miscreants in Saku-Gaza village following the Sallah prayer. The assault was allegedly linked to the unresolved debt with Alhaji Yanda.
Saku sustained serious injuries and was taken to General Hospital Bida before being referred to another hospital for further treatment. The police have launched a preliminary investigation and are working to apprehend those responsible for the attack.
