By Umar Salam.
Some residents of Serkin Kudu, Ibi local government area in Taraba State, have been in a gloomy state of mind following the arrest of notorious kidnap gang leader, Hamisu Bala Wadume by operatives of the Nigeria Police on Monday.
The millionaire kidnapper who hails from Ibi, was said to be a philanthropist who facilitated several projects within his community and lifted many families out of poverty.
Some Ibi residents who spoke to newsmen shortly after reports of his arrest went viral, disclosed that Wadume’s generosity would be greatly missed.
They added that his arrest was a bad news to the people, as projects initiated in the community by the benevolent kidnapper would be left uncompleted.
An Ibi resident identified as Yahaya Maikifi, stated that: “He (Wadume) was a benevolent philanthropist that did not discriminate on the basis of ethnicity, religion or tribe.
“Wadume is constructing a mosque in our area. The project is almost completed and his arrest will stall the project.”
Another resident, Michael Adi, said: “I wish you were here to see the mood of the people. Nobody is happy over the development.
“Let’s be truthful to ourselves, Hamisu has done well with the people of Ibi and beyond.
“For some of us here, he has done well by eliminating poverty out of some families.”
Wadume was rearrested in his hideout in Kano by police detectives on Monday, after which he made startling revelations about the killing of three policemen by soldiers on August 6, which aided his escape after being arrested by the police officers.
Wadume, who spoke in Hausa during interrogation, said: “I am Hamisu Bala also known as Wadume. The police came to Ibi and arrested me.
“After arresting me, they were taking me away when soldiers went after them and opened fire and some policemen were killed.
“From there, the soldiers took me to their headquarters and cut off the handcuffs on my hands and I ran away.
“Since I ran away, I have been hiding until now that the police arrested me.”
See video below: