Ex-minister abducted around Mamman Daura’s residence

Bagudu Hirse, former minister of state for foreign affairs, was kidnapped in front of the Kaduna residence of Mamman Daura, President Muhammadu Buhari’s nephew, on Sunday.

A source told TheCable that the incident happened around 11am.

The kidnappers were said to have forcefully whisked away the former envoy, who put up some resistance.

“After overpowering him, they removed his cap and threw it on the floor before zooming off,” the source said.

TheCable understands that Abba Kyari, chief of staff to the president, was at Daura’s residence at the time of the unfortunate incident, but there was no indication that he was the target.

Aliyu Usman, spokesman of the Kaduna state police command, confirmed the incident, but said it did not happen in front of Daura’s house.

“It happened on the street where Alhaji Mamman Daura lives,” he said, adding that policemen were on the trail of the abductors.

Hirse was said to be returning from a condolence visit to the family of Ibrahim Dasuki, the 18th sultan of Sokoto.

Dasuki died at a Turkish hospital in Abuja on Monday, and was buried the next day.

A former director of Nigerian Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG), Hirse served in the administration of late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua.