The Chairman of Bungudu Local Government Area in Zamfara State, Nura Abdullahi, has been abducted by bandits following a deadly attack on his residence in the early hours of Saturday.
The gunmen reportedly stormed the chairman’s home in large numbers, engaging his security team in a fierce gun battle before abducting him. Residents said the attackers initially fled with Abdullahi, his wife and children after overpowering the security personnel.
The attack claimed the lives of four members of the chairman’s security detail, comprising two police officers and two local vigilantes, according to residents. However, the military later confirmed the deaths of two policemen, one vigilante and a civilian, while the chairman’s elder brother, Bello Umar, sustained injuries.
In a statement, the Joint Task Force (North West), Operation FANSAN YAMMA, said troops swiftly responded after hearing gunfire and confronted the attackers, forcing them to abandon five members of the chairman’s family, including his wife, mother, two children and another relative.
Despite the intervention, the gunmen escaped into nearby bushes with the council chairman.
The military said a coordinated search-and-rescue operation involving Operation FANSAN YAMMA, the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services and local vigilantes is underway to secure Abdullahi’s release.
The Theatre Command assured the Zamfara State Government and residents that all available resources have been deployed for the operation and urged members of the public to provide credible intelligence to support ongoing efforts.
