Bandits have abducted the chairman of Bungudu Local Government Area of Zamfara State, Nura Abdullahi, after attacking his residence in the early hours of Saturday.
The attackers also killed four members of the chairman’s security detail, comprising two policemen and two local vigilantes, according to an indigene of the town.
The attack occurred after the bandits, said to be in large numbers, invaded the chairman’s residence and engaged his security guards in a gun battle.
Efforts by First Daily correspondent on Saturday to speak with the spokesperson for the Zamfara State Police Command prove abortive.
Meanwhile, troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA have intensified efforts to rescue the abducted chairman.
In a statement on Saturday, the Media Information Officer of the Joint Task Force (North West), Lt. Col. Aliyu Danja, said the terrorists overpowered the chairman’s police and vigilante security detail before abducting him and members of his family.
Danja said troops responded after hearing gunshots and engaged the attackers in a fierce exchange of fire.
He said the intervention forced the terrorists to abandon five members of the chairman’s family, including two children, his mother, wife and a relative, who were rescued.
However, the attackers escaped into the surrounding bushes with the chairman.
The Army statement said the attack claimed the lives of two policemen and one local vigilante who were part of the chairman’s security detail.
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It added that a civilian was also killed, while the chairman’s elder brother, Alhaji Bello Umar, was injured.
Following the incident, the Theatre Command activated a coordinated search-and-rescue operation involving troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA, the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services and local vigilantes.
Security forces are currently conducting operations at suspected locations linked to the terrorists in an effort to rescue the chairman.
“The Theatre Command has deployed all available resources in the ongoing operation and remains in close coordination with participating security agencies,” the statement said.
The command assured the Zamfara State Government and residents that every lawful and operational measure was being taken to secure the chairman’s safe rescue.
It also appealed to members of the public to remain calm, continue with their lawful activities and provide credible information through established security channels to assist the ongoing operation.