Gunmen suspected to be bandits launched a daring attack on Gusau, the Zamfara State capital, on Independence Day, October 1, abducting two serving local government councillors and another resident.
The gunmen, said to be heavily armed, reportedly struck around 8 p.m. on Wednesday in the Tsauni area of Gusau and whisked their victims into the forest.
Residents who confirmed the development to newsmen said the abducted councillors represent Gidan Gona and Tsibiri wards in Maradun Local Government Area of the state.
A security analyst, Salihu Bamle, who spoke to SaharaReporters, described the incident as another reminder of the worsening insecurity in the state.
“On Wednesday night, bandits attacked the Tsauni area of Gusau, Zamfara’s capital. Several people were abducted, including two serving councillors representing Gidan Gona and Tsibiri wards in Maradun LGA,” Bamle said.
The Zamfara State Police Command has since confirmed the abduction. The command’s spokesperson, ASP Yazid Abubakar, said three persons in total, including the two councillors, were kidnapped during the raid.
He assured that operatives had been mobilised alongside other security agencies to track the criminals.
“The command is working tirelessly to ensure the safe rescue of the captives. There is light at the end of the tunnel,” ASP Yazid said.
Naijaonpoint reports that the abduction comes amid renewed peace talks between the Zamfara State Government, the Federal Government, and armed groups. Yet, residents say bandits continue to terrorise communities with killings, raids, and kidnappings.
Only recently, worshippers were massacred inside a mosque during evening prayers in Zamfara, sparking nationwide outrage. Critics have accused authorities of failing to back peace talks with decisive security action.
For many locals, Wednesday’s Independence Day attack is yet another grim signal that peace remains far out of reach.
© 2025 Naijaonpoint, a division of NOP Media Inc. Contact us via [email protected]