CHAIRMAN of Bungudu Local Government of Zamfara State, Nura Abdullahi, has been abducted by terrorists, following an attack on his residence in the early hours of Saturday, July 25.
Two policemen, one vigilante member and a civilian were killed in the attack before the intervention of troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA, who rescued five members of Abdullahi’s family and commenced an operation to secure his release.
The attackers reportedly stormed Bungudu town on Thursday night and headed straight for the council chairman’s residence in the Zango area, less than 20 kilometres from the state capital, Gusau.
A resident told Daily Trust: “They killed two policemen and two vigilantes, including one volunteer vigilante who had been actively helping to protect the town from bandit attacks.”
The resident explained that security personnel at the residence attempted to resist the attackers, but were overwhelmed by the superior firepower of the assailants, adding: “The bandits came into the town determined to carry out their mission.
“The chairman’s security team put up resistance, but they were outgunned.
“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.
“The security personnel tried their best, but by the time reinforcements got there, the bandits had already executed their plan and escaped.
“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.
“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.”
On its part, the Media Information Officer of Joint Task Force (Northwest), Operation FANSAN YAMMA, Lt-Col. Aliyu Danja, said the terrorists overpowered Abdullahi’s security detail before whisking him away.
The statement explained that troops responded immediately after hearing gunshots and pursued the attackers, engaging them in a fierce gun battle that forced them to abandon five members of the chairman’s family.
It stated: “On hearing gunshots, troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA responded immediately and swiftly moved to the scene, where they engaged in hot pursuit of the terrorists, leading to a fierce exchange of fire.
“Troops’ prompt intervention forced the terrorists to abandon five of the chairman’s family members, comprising two of his children, mother, wife and his relatives, who were successfully rescued.
“However, the terrorists narrowly escaped into surrounding bushes with the chairman.
“Sadly, the attack claimed the lives of members of the chairman’s security detail, including two policemen and one local vigilante, who gallantly resisted the attackers.
“Also, a civilian was killed, while the chairman’s elder brother, Bello Umar, was injured during the attack.”
It explained that troops have since activated a joint search-and-rescue mission, involving multiple security agencies, to locate the abducted council chairman.
The statement added: “Following the incident, the Theatre Command activated a coordinated search and rescue operation involving troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA, the Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Services (DSS) and local vigilante.
“Security forces are conducting deliberate operations at the suspected location of the terrorists, aimed at safely rescuing the abducted chairman.”
The Theatre Command said it had committed all available resources to the operation, assuring that every lawful measure was being taken to ensure the chairman’s safe return.
While appealling to residents to remain calm and support the operation by providing credible intelligence through established security channels, the Command reaffirmed its commitment to restoring security in the region, pledging to continue working with other security agencies until the abducted chairman is rescued and those responsible are brought to justice.
