Gunmen abduct 2 councillors, Imam in Zamfara

Fear gripped residents of Tsauni community in Gusau Local Government Area of Zamfara State on Wednesday night as gunmen, suspected to be bandits, abducted two serving councillors and an Imam.

The incident occurred around 8:05 p.m., shortly after the victims had observed the Maghrib prayers. Reports indicate that the armed men first overpowered policemen stationed at a nearby outpost, seizing their mobile phones before carrying out the abduction.

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