Suspected bandits have abducted the Chairman of Bungudu Local Government Area of Zamfara State, Hon. Nura Umar Bungudu, after attacking his residence on Thursday night and killing four security personnel.
The gunmen reportedly invaded Bungudu town and proceeded to the chairman’s residence in the Zango area, less than 20 kilometres from the state capital, Gusau.
A resident, who spoke on condition of anonymity to DailyTrust said the attackers overpowered the security personnel stationed at the residence, killing two police officers and two vigilantes before abducting the council chairman and some members of his family.
According to the source, the chairman’s security team resisted the attack but was overwhelmed by the assailants’ superior firepower.
“They killed two policemen and two vigilantes, including a volunteer vigilante who had been actively helping to protect the town from bandit attacks,” the resident said.
The source disclosed that the attackers initially abducted the chairman, his wife and their children.
He, however, said security operatives who pursued the gunmen succeeded in rescuing four or five of the children, while the chairman remained in captivity.
“They kidnapped the chairman along with his wife and children, but security personnel later rescued some of the children. Unfortunately, the chairman was taken away,” he said.
The resident added that reinforcement teams arrived after the attackers had already escaped.
“The security personnel tried their best, but by the time reinforcements got there, the bandits had already executed their plan and fled,” he said.
He attributed the recurring attacks in the area to the sophisticated weapons used by the bandits and the activities of informants who allegedly aid their operations.
“They don’t give any warning before attacking. They come heavily armed and in large numbers. Despite the efforts of security forces, they still managed to escape with the chairman,” he added.
The resident appealed to the government and security agencies to strengthen security in Bungudu and other vulnerable communities across Zamfara State.
“Our people resisted alongside the security forces, but the bandits overpowered them. They carry sophisticated weapons that ordinary people cannot match. We appeal to the authorities to do more to protect lives and property,” he said.
Efforts by NAIJAONPOINT to obtain official confirmation from the Zamfara State Police Command were unsuccessful, as calls placed to the command’s spokesperson, DSP Yazid Abubakar, were not answered as of the time of filing this report.
Titilope Adako is a talented and intrepid journalist, dedicated to shedding light on the untold stories of Osun State and Nigeria. Through incisive reporting, she tackles a broad spectrum of topics, from politics and social justice to culture and entertainment, with a commitment to accuracy, empathy, and inspiring positive change.
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