Bandits Seize Policemen’s Phones, Abduct Councillors, Cleric In Zamfara

Bandits, on Wednesday night, abducted two serving councillors and an Islamic cleric in Tsauni community, Gusau local government area of Zamfara State, after seizing the phones of policemen stationed at a nearby outpost.

The councillors, who represent Gidan Goga and Tsibiri Wards in Maradun Local Government Area, were reportedly taken around 8:05 p.m. shortly after observing the Maghrib prayers.

Chairman of Maradun LGA, Hon. Sanusi Gama Giwa, confirmed the incident, identifying the councillors as members of his council.

According to him, the victims were relaxing at a tea spot with others when the gunmen struck.

“It happened right in front of a police station where officers are usually present. The bandits even collected phones from the police officers without resistance. They didn’t harm anyone,” Giwa said.

He explained that the attackers were initially targeting an individual from Kaura village. Unable to find him, they abducted six men, later releasing three, and went away with the councillors and the Imam.

Tsauni, the scene of the abduction, has previously sheltered internally displaced persons fleeing attacks in neighbouring villages — a fact that has heightened concerns about the vulnerability of the area.

Confirming the incident, the spokesperson of the Zamfara State Police Command, DSP Yazid Abubakar, said operatives had been deployed and a rescue operation was underway.

“We are doing everything within our power to rescue the victims and bring the perpetrators to justice,” Abubakar said, urging residents to provide credible information to assist security agencies.

As at press time, the abductors were yet to contact the victims’ families or issue any demands.