Four people were killed when bandits kidnapped the LG chairman in Zamfara

Gunmen suspected to be bandits have reportedly kidnapped the Chairman of Bungudu Local Government Area of ​​Zamfara State, Hon. Nura Umar Bungudu.

The attackers stormed Bungudu town on Thursday evening and headed straight for the council chairman’s residence in Zango area, less than 20 kilometers from the state capital, Gusau.

A resident, who asked not to be named, said the gunmen managed to overpower the security officers guarding his residence, killing two police officers and two residents before taking the chairman and his family members away.

“They killed two policemen and two residents, including a volunteer who actively helped protect the city from bandit attacks,” the source said.

According to the resident, security officers at the residence tried to fight the attackers but were overwhelmed because the attackers’ superior firepower.

“The bandits came to the city determined to carry out their mission. The chief’s security team put up resistance, but they were outgunned,” he said.

The source added that the gunmen initially kidnapped the chairman of the council, his wife and their children.

However, security officers responding to the attack were able to rescue four or five children during the chase.

“They kidnapped the chairman along with his wife and children, but security officers then rescued several children. Unfortunately, the chairman was taken away,” he said.

He explained that although reinforcement teams were deployed, they arrived after the attackers had fled.

“The security forces tried their best, but when reinforcements arrived there, the bandits had already implemented their plan and fled,” he said.

The residents blamed the increasing frequency of attacks on the heavy weapons used by the armed groups and the activities of informants who allegedly aided their operations.

“They did not give any warning before attacking. They came fully armed and in large numbers. Despite the efforts of the security forces, they still managed to escape with their chief,” he added.

He urged the government and security agencies to strengthen security in Bungudu and other vulnerable communities across the state.

“Our people resisted alongside security forces, but the bandits managed to defeat them. They carried sophisticated weapons that ordinary people could not match. We call on the authorities to do more to protect lives and property,” he said.

Attempts to obtain official confirmation from the Zamfara State Police Command were unsuccessful. Telephone calls and text messages sent to the command spokesperson, DSP Yazid Abubakar, were not returned at the time of filing this report.