Suspected bandits have kidnapped the Chairman of Bungudu Local Government Area in Zamfara State, Hon. Nura Umar Bungudu.
The gunmen reportedly invaded Bungudu town on Thursday night and went straight to the chairman’s home in the Zango area, less than 20 kilometres from the state capital, Gusau.
A resident, who spoke to Daily Trust anonymously, said the attackers overpowered security personnel at the residence, killing two police officers and two vigilantes before taking the chairman and 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 said the security team fought back but could not match the attackers’ firepower.
“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 said.
The source said the chairman, his wife and children were all taken at first. Security operatives who chased the attackers later rescued four or five of the children.
“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,” he said.
He said reinforcements arrived after the gunmen had escaped.
“The security personnel tried their best, but by the time reinforcements got there, the bandits had already executed their plan and escaped,” he said.
The resident blamed the repeated attacks on the gunmen’s heavy weapons and alleged informants.
“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 added.
He urged authorities to improve security across Bungudu and other vulnerable communities.
“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 said.
