Gunmen have abducted the Chairman of Bungudu Local Government Area in Zamfara State, Nura Abdullahi, after attacking his official residence and killing four security operatives in a late-night raid.
The attack reportedly occurred at about 11 p.m. on Saturday, when heavily armed assailants stormed the chairman’s residence and whisked him away.
According to reports, the gunmen also abducted Halliru Soja, a staff member of the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), as well as a Point-of-Sale (POS) operator during the attack.
Four security personnel attached to the local government chairman lost their lives while attempting to repel the attackers.
The victims were identified as Inspector Basiru Lawal, Police Constable Hamza Muhammad, and two vigilante members, including the chairman’s Aide-de-Camp (ADC) and Ibrahim Baare.
The chairman’s brother, Bello Abdullahi, also sustained injuries during the incident.
Troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA reportedly responded after hearing gunshots and engaged the attackers in a gun battle.
The military said the troops successfully rescued five members of the chairman’s family who were caught up in the attack.
Confirming the development, the Media Information Officer of the Joint Task Force (North-West), Aliyu Danja, said security agencies have launched a coordinated operation to rescue the abducted chairman and other victims.
“Following the incident, the Theatre Command activated a coordinated search and rescue operation involving troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA, the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services (DSS), and local vigilantes,” Danja said.
He added that security forces are currently conducting targeted operations around the suspected hideouts of the kidnappers to ensure the safe rescue of the victims.
As of the time of filing this report, the Zamfara State Police Command had not officially commented on the incident.
