Gunmen Abduct Kebbi High Court Judge In Midnight Attack
Suspected gunmen have abducted a judge of the Kebbi State High Court, Justice Faruku Hassan Bunza, from his residence in Bunza Local Government Area of Kebbi State, triggering an emergency security operation to secure his safe release.
The incident occurred in the early hours of Sunday when the attackers invaded the judge’s residence along Zogirma Road, Bunza, shortly after he returned from a trip to neighbouring Sokoto State.
Sources close to the family said the gunmen stormed the area around midnight, causing panic among residents before forcing their way into the judge’s home and taking him away. No member of the household or nearby residents was reported injured during the attack.
The abduction has raised fresh concerns over the growing security challenges facing public officials and residents in parts of the North-West, where criminal groups have continued to target individuals for ransom and other criminal activities.
Confirming the incident, the Kebbi State Police Command said it had received reports of the judge’s abduction and immediately deployed tactical and intelligence teams to begin efforts aimed at rescuing him.
The Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bashir Usman, said the Commissioner of Police, CP Umar Muhammad Hadejia, directed security operatives to intensify searches in identified areas, including possible escape routes and surrounding locations, to ensure the judge’s safe return.
The management of the Kebbi State High Court described the development as disturbing, saying it had begun working with security agencies and relevant authorities to support efforts to secure Justice Bunza’s release.
Legal practitioners and stakeholders are expected to closely monitor the situation as concerns grow over the safety of judicial officers, who play key roles in maintaining justice and the rule of law.
The latest incident adds to a series of security challenges recorded in Kebbi and other parts of the North-West, where communities have repeatedly called for stronger measures to protect residents and prevent criminal attacks.
Security authorities have assured the public that every effort is being made to rescue the judge alive and unharmed while investigations continue into the identities and motives of the attackers.
The police also urged residents to cooperate with security agencies by providing useful information that could assist ongoing rescue operations and help track those responsible for the attack.