Bandits Abduct Zamfara LG Chairman, Kill Security Operatives

Gunmen have abducted the chairman of Bungudu local government area of Zamfara State, Hon. Nura Umar Bungudu, after launching a deadly night attack on his residence that left four security operatives dead.

The attackers reportedly stormed Bungudu town on Thursday night, targeting the council chairman’s residence in the Zango area, less than 20 kilometres from Gusau, the Zamfara State capital.

The gunmen allegedly overpowered the security personnel guarding the residence, killing two police officers and two vigilantes before abducting the council chairman and members of his family.

Efforts by security operatives to repel the attackers were unsuccessful as the assailants, said to be heavily armed, overran the security team and escaped with the chairman.

A resident of the community who spoke on the condition of anonymity, said the attack was swift and well-coordinated, leaving little room for the security personnel to mount an effective defence.

According to the source, two police officers and two vigilantes, including a volunteer vigilante who had been actively involved in defending the community against bandit attacks, lost their lives during the exchange of gunfire.

The resident said the security personnel fought bravely but were overwhelmed by the superior firepower of the attackers.

“The bandits came into the town determined to carry out their mission. The chairman’s security team resisted, but they were outgunned,” the source said.

The incident is the latest in a series of violent attacks that have continued to plague communities across Zamfara State despite ongoing security operations.

The source disclosed that the bandits initially abducted the council chairman, his wife and their children during the attack.

However, security operatives who pursued the fleeing gunmen reportedly succeeded in rescuing four or five of the children before the attackers escaped into the surrounding bush.

Despite the rescue effort, the chairman was taken away by the gunmen, while the fate of his wife could not be independently confirmed at the time of filing this report.

According to the resident, reinforcement teams were mobilised shortly after the attack, but they arrived after the assailants had already fled the area.

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

Residents blamed the recurring attacks in Bungudu and other parts of Zamfara on the sophisticated weapons allegedly possessed by bandit groups and the activities of informants who provide intelligence to the criminals.

The source lamented that the attackers often strike without warning, making it difficult for communities and security personnel to respond effectively.

“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,” the resident said.

He appealed to the federal and state governments to strengthen security across vulnerable communities in Zamfara, noting that local residents have continued to support security agencies despite facing increasing threats.

“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 added.

The Zamfara State Police Command had yet to officially confirm the incident as at the time of filing this report.

Efforts to obtain a reaction from the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Yazid Abubakar, were unsuccessful, as calls placed to his mobile phone and a text message sent to him were not returned.