Bandits Kidnap Zamfara Local Govt Chairman, Kill Four Security Operatives

Armed bandits have abducted the Chairman of Bungudu Local Government Area of Zamfara State, Nura Umar Bungudu, after launching a deadly late-night attack on his residence that left four security operatives dead.

The attackers reportedly invaded Bungudu town on Thursday night and headed directly to the council chairman's residence in the Zango area, located less than 20 kilometres from the state capital, Gusau.

According to a resident who spoke on condition of anonymity, the gunmen overwhelmed security personnel guarding the residence, killing two police officers and two vigilantes before abducting the council chairman alongside members of his family.

“They killed two policemen and two vigilantes, including one volunteer vigilante who had been actively helping to protect the town from bandit attacks,” the source said.

The resident explained that the security team attached to the chairman mounted resistance but was outmatched by the superior firepower of the assailants.

“The bandits came into the town determined to carry out their mission. The chairman's security team put up resistance, but they were outgunned,’’ he added.

The source disclosed that the attackers initially kidnapped Bungudu, his wife and their children. However, security operatives who pursued the bandits were able to rescue between four and five of the children during the operation.

“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,” the resident said.

Despite the deployment of reinforcement teams, the bandits had already escaped before additional security personnel arrived.

"The security personnel tried their best, but by the time reinforcements got there, the bandits had already executed their plan and escaped," he stated.

The resident blamed the recurring attacks in the area on the sophisticated weapons used by bandits and the alleged activities of informants who 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 said.

He appealed to the government and security agencies to intensify efforts to secure 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," the source added.

As of the time of filing this report, the Zamfara State Police Command had yet to officially confirm the incident.