Bandits kill Imam, abduct 2 Zamfara councillors near police outpost

Armed bandits on Wednesday night abducted two serving councillors and killed an Islamic cleric in Tsauni, a community on the outskirts of Gusau, the capital of Zamfara State. The councillors, who represent Gidan Goga and Tsibiri wards in Maradun Local Government Area, were kidnapped around 8.05pm shortly after performing the Maghrib (sunset) prayer. The victims […]

Armed bandits on Wednesday night abducted two serving councillors and killed an Islamic cleric in Tsauni, a community on the outskirts of Gusau, the capital of Zamfara State.

The councillors, who represent Gidan Goga and Tsibiri wards in Maradun Local Government Area, were kidnapped around 8.05pm shortly after performing the Maghrib (sunset) prayer.

The victims were reportedly seized near a police outpost while relaxing with others at a local tea joint.

Confirming the incident, the Chairman of Maradun LGA, Hon. Sanusi Gama Giwa, said the councillors were members of his council.

He expressed concern that the abduction occurred in the vicinity of a police station.

“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,” he said.

According to Giwa, the armed men initially came in search of a specific individual from Kaura village.

Upon failing to find their target, they abducted six men from the tea joint. Three of them were later released, while the bandits continued with the two councillors and an Imam.

However, Daily Trust has gathered from a separate source that the abducted Imam was later killed, and his body was discovered on a nearby farm.

He was buried on Thursday according to Islamic rites in the Chediya Uku area of Gusau town.

Tsauni community, the scene of the abduction, is known for hosting Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) fleeing persistent bandit attacks in Zamfara’s rural communities.

When contacted, the spokesperson of the Zamfara State Police Command, DSP Yazid Abubakar, confirmed the abduction and said security operatives had been deployed for a rescue operation.

“We are doing everything within our power to rescue the victims and bring the perpetrators to justice. We urge residents to provide useful information that can aid our efforts,” he stated.

However, DSP Abubakar refuted claims that the abduction occurred directly in front of a police station, contrary to the LGA chairman’s statement.

“Our findings show the incident took place about two kilometres from the nearest police station, near a forested area.

“The terrain is difficult, with poor road conditions that delayed immediate reinforcement.

“The claim that the bandits disarmed officers at a station without resistance is simply not true and reflects a personal opinion rather than fact.”

As of the time of filing this report, the kidnappers had not made any contact with the victims’ families or issued any ransom demands.