13 Tijjaniyya sect followers from Kano abducted in Burkina Faso
The families of 13 Tijjaniyya sect followers from Kano State, who were abducted in Burkina Faso in September 2024, have appealed to the Nigerian government to intervene and get them released.
The victims were on their to Kaolak in Senegal by road to attend the the annual Tijjaniyya gathering when they were abducted.
The families noted that there was little effort made since their disappearance to locate and get them back.
Amina, wife of one of those abducted, said they have been left in dilemma since the incident.
“They travel and return safely every year, but this time they have not come back. We are in distress over his absence,” Amina said.
“Life has not been the same because he is the one taking care of us. In his absence, I find it difficult to take care of our three children. People that came to our help seem to be tired. We are in difficulty.”
Amina called on the authorities to intervene and rescue her husband and the 12 other victims.
Bashir Tijjani, a relative of one of the abducted persons, said the families have been living in fear and uncertainty since the incident.
He said despite numerous efforts by the families, no progress has been made in securing the victims or even knowing their whereabout.
“They left Sheikh Malam Tijjani ‘Yan mota’s Zawiyya on September 7, traveling through Niger Republic to Burkina Faso on their way to Senegal,” Bashir recounted.
“However, between the Niger and Burkina Faso border, armed men intercepted them, released three women in the group, and took the remaining 13 men into the forest.”
Bashir said since then, the families have reached out to Tijjaniyya leaders at home and abroad, including Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, who connected them with a representative who traveled to Niger and met with the Emir of Damagaram to gather information.
“The Emir of Damagaram offered explanations and made assurances. Upon returning, we reported the matter to the police headquarters in Kano, and from there it was transferred to Abuja,” he added.
Bashir, however, said that since then there has been no official update or concrete response from anywhere, including the Nigerian authorities.
The families are now calling on the Nigerian government and religious leaders to facilitate the release of the 13 victims.
