GUSAU — Heavily armed bandits have abducted the Chairman of Bungudu Local Government Area of Zamfara State, Hon. Nura Abdullahi (also reported as Nura Umar Bungudu), following a violent late-night assault on his official residence in Bungudu town, less than 21 kilometers from the state capital, Gusau.
The attack, which occurred around 11:40 p.m. on Friday night, resulted in the deaths of four security operatives attached to the council chairman—comprising two police officers and two local vigilantes.
Several other residents, including a staff member of the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Gusau, and a local Point of Sale (POS) operator, were also abducted alongside the council leader during the raid.
Midnight Invasion and Casualties
According to community sources and local representatives, the assailants arrived in large numbers, storming the chairman’s residence in the Zango area of Bungudu and engaging his security detail in a heavy exchange of gunfire.
Despite a fierce attempt by the security guards to repel the invasion, the attackers overwhelmed the team with superior firepower.
- Casualties Identified: The slain security personnel were identified as Police Inspector Basiru Lawal, Constable Hamza Muhammad, and vigilante members Nura ADC and Ibrahim Baare.
- Injuries: Bello Abdullahi, a former treasurer in the Zamfara State Ministry of Finance, sustained severe gunshot injuries during the attack and was rushed for emergency medical attention.
- Other Abductees: In addition to the council chairman, the bandits whisked away Halliru Soja (FMC Gusau staff) and Hussaini Naira (a POS operator) as they retreated toward the forest enclaves.
Security Operations Underway
Following the invasion, joint security forces and troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA (the Joint Task Force North West) launched immediate search-and-rescue operations along suspected escape routes into surrounding forest reserves.
INCIDENT LOCATION: Bungudu Town, Bungudu LGA (~21 km from Gusau)
CASUALTIES: 2 Police Officers, 2 Local Vigilantes Killed
MAIN TARGET: Hon. Nura Abdullahi (Bungudu LG Chairman)
SECURITY ACTION: Troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA pursuing bandits
Military sources confirmed that security forces pursued the fleeing gunmen and managed to rescue several family members who had initially been seized during the chaos, while search efforts remain intensified to secure the release of the council chairman and other remaining captives.
Escalating Insecurity in Zamfara Central
The abduction highlights the persistent threat posed by rural bandit syndicates operating across Zamfara State, where armed groups continue to launch raids on residential areas, highways, and community outposts despite ongoing military campaigns.
Residents of Bungudu have called on the Federal Government and the Defence Headquarters to deploy additional permanent military outposts along major forest corridors connecting Bungudu, Maru, and neighboring local government areas to curb recurring midnight attacks.
