Bandits seize policemen phones, abduct councillors, Imam

Gunmen suspected to be bandits abducted two serving councillors and an Imam in Tsauni community, Gusau Local Government Area of Zamfara State, on Wednesday night, after allegedly seizing the phones of policemen stationed at a nearby outpost.

The victims, councillors representing Gidan Goga and Tsibiri Wards in Maradun Local Government Area, were kidnapped at about 8:05 p.m., shortly after observing the Maghrib prayers.

Chairman of Maradun LGA, Hon. Sanusi Gama Giwa, confirmed the development, disclosing that the abducted councillors were members of his council.

According to him, the incident occurred while the victims were relaxing at a tea spot with other residents.“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,” Giwa said.

He further explained that the attackers had been searching for a man from Kaura village but, failing to find him, took six men hostage. Three were later released, while the councillors and the Imam were taken away.

The abduction site, Tsauni, had previously served as a refuge for internally displaced persons fleeing violence in nearby villages, raising fresh concerns about its safety.

Spokesperson of the Zamfara State Police Commandalso confirmed the incident.

He said security operatives had been mobilised and a rescue operation had commenced.“We are doing everything within our power to rescue the victims and bring the perpetrators to justice,” Abubakar said, urging residents to provide credible intelligence to aid security agencies