Bandits on Wednesday night abducted two serving councillors and an Imam in a brazen attack at Tsauni community in Gusau, the capital of Zamfara State.
The victims, who represent Gidan Goga and Tsibiri wards in Maradun Local Government Area, were seized around 8:05 p.m. near a police outpost shortly after Maghrib prayers. Hon. Sanusi Gama Giwa, Chairman of Maradun LGA, confirmed the incident and identified the abducted councillors as members of his council.
According to Giwa, the victims were relaxing with others at a tea spot when the armed bandits struck. “It happened right in front of a police station where officers are usually present. The bandits even collected phones from police officers without resistance. They did not harm anyone,” he said.
Giwa added that the bandits initially targeted a specific individual from Kaura village. “Upon failing to capture their target, they stumbled upon this group of men and abducted six of them. However, after moving a short distance, they released three and continued with the councillors and the Imam,” he explained.
Tsauni, the community where the abduction took place, has previously hosted internally displaced persons fleeing banditry from surrounding areas—a situation that highlights the ongoing vulnerability of such regions.
The Zamfara State Police Command has confirmed the incident. DSP Yazid Abubakar, the police spokesperson, stated via telephone that operatives have been deployed and a rescue operation is underway. “We are doing everything within our power to rescue the victims and bring the perpetrators to justice,” he said.
DSP Abubakar also urged residents to provide useful information to aid security efforts. As of this report, the abductors have not contacted the victims’ families or issued any demands.