A chieftain of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, Rabiu Kwankwaso, on Saturday urged the Nigerian government to adequately compensate activist Abubakar Idris Dadiyata and his family if he is still alive.

Kwankwaso was reacting to a report that Dadiyata was killed by some police officers in Kaduna State.

Musa Muhammad Kamarawa, a former Senior Special Assistant, SSA, to former Zamfara State Governor, Bello Matawalle, had claimed that Dadiyata was killed in his presence.

A screengrab containing Kamarawa’s claim, written in Hausa, is currently circulating on various social media platforms.

Kamarawa had also on Thursday written a petition addressed to the Inspector General of Police against some police officers who he said were involved in Dadiyata’s killing.

Dadiyata, a Nigerian lecturer and outspoken government critic, was abducted by gunmen from his home in Kaduna on August 1, 2019, and remains missing.

His disappearance was heavily linked to his critical social media commentary, particularly regarding Northern state governments.

Reacting, Kwankwaso commended the Inspector General of Police, IGP, Tunji Disu for ordering a probe of Dadiyata’s disappearance.

Posting on X, he wrote: “I have been made aware of the recent testimony by a former aide to a former state governor, in which he alleged that police officers claimed responsibility for the disappearance of Abubakar Idris Dadiyata in Kaduna.

“Since his abduction in 2019, my associates and I have consistently prayed and advocated for the authorities to conduct a thorough investigation and bring those responsible for his disappearance to justice.

“It is therefore reassuring that the Inspector General of Police, Olatunji Disu, has ordered a comprehensive investigation into this matter. I commend the Inspector General for this decisive and long-overdue action.

“While we await the outcome of the investigation, I urge the police authorities to place the named individuals under close surveillance to prevent any interference with the process. I also call on the government to ensure that, upon conclusion of the case, Abubakar Dadiyata (if still alive) and his family receive adequate compensation for the immense trauma and suffering they have endured.

“I equally commend the general public for their sustained advocacy and resilience in keeping this case alive, as well as Barrister Abba Hikima Fagge for his pivotal role in this latest development.

“We remain hopeful that this investigation will finally deliver truth and justice.”