Suspected bandits have abducted the younger brother of a member of the Kaduna State House of Assembly and killed three personnel of the Kaduna State Vigilance Service (KADVS) in Kubau Local Government Area.
The incidents occurred within hours of each other, raising fresh concerns over the security situation around the Zaria-Pambegua axis and surrounding communities in the state.
The KADVS Public Relations Officer, Yunusa Ibrahim, confirmed the attacks in a statement issued on Tuesday.
According to Ibrahim, the abducted man, identified simply as Sanusi, is the younger brother of Alhaji Shehu Pambegua, who represents Kubau Constituency in the Kaduna State House of Assembly.
Sanusi was reportedly taken from his residence in the area at about 10 p.m. on Monday.
The assailants were said to have arrived at the residence in a Sharon vehicle before forcing their way in and taking him away.
The incident happened several hours after three KADVS personnel were killed while carrying out security duties along the Zaria-Pambegua road.
Ibrahim identified the deceased personnel as Dallami Dantani, the Second-in-Command of KADVS in Kubau Local Government Area, Abdullahi Hamisu and Zakariyya Musa.
The three men were reportedly conducting routine security checks when they encountered a suspicious vehicle.
According to the KADVS spokesperson, the personnel attempted to stop a red Volkswagen Golf Salon during the operation. However, the driver allegedly refused to stop.
The vigilantes then followed the vehicle in an official patrol van to establish the identity of those inside and determine their purpose of movement.
The situation reportedly turned deadly when the occupants of the Volkswagen opened fire on the pursuing personnel.
Dantani was said to have been shot and killed during the chase.
The attackers subsequently turned back in the direction of the KADVS office, where they allegedly opened fire again.
Hamisu and Musa were killed in the second attack before the gunmen fled towards Zaria.
The coordinated nature of the incident has heightened concern among residents and security personnel operating in the affected communities.
The attacks also came at a time when several parts of Kaduna State continue to face security challenges involving banditry, kidnapping and attacks on rural communities.
Following the killings, the Kaduna State Commander of KADVS, CP Ali Audu (rtd.), expressed condolences to the families of the three personnel.
Audu described their deaths as a painful loss to the service and praised the victims for their commitment to protecting residents.
He said the personnel remained dedicated to their responsibilities despite the risks associated with their duties.
Audu also assured the families of the deceased that their sacrifices would not be forgotten.
He promised that the service would continue to support the affected families during the difficult period.
Meanwhile, security operations have been intensified across Pambegua and neighbouring communities following the attacks.
Audu said security personnel were working to locate Sanusi and secure his release.
He also said efforts were underway to identify and apprehend those responsible for the killings and abduction.
The KADVS commander called on personnel operating in the area to remain alert while carrying out their duties.
He further urged them to improve cooperation with other security agencies, particularly in communities considered vulnerable to attacks.
Nonetheless, Authorities have yet to announce whether any arrests have been made in connection with the attacks or whether contact has been established with the abducted victim.
The circumstances surrounding the identity and motive of the suspects also remain unclear as security personnel continue their efforts to track them.
The KADVS has, however, maintained that operations are ongoing to protect residents and prevent further attacks in the affected communities.
