Tension in Bauchi community as bandits abduct 4, loot shops in midnight raid

Fear and anxiety have gripped residents of Gyale village in Mansur District, Alkaleri Local Government Area of Bauchi State, following a late-night raid by armed bandits that resulted in the abduction of four people and the looting of several shops.

The disturbing incident occurred around 11:30 p.m. on Tuesday and has since left the community in shock. Confirming the attack, the spokesperson of the Bauchi State Police Command, CSP Ahmed Mohammed Wakil, revealed that the criminals accessed the village through the Yankari Game Reserve, a route increasingly exploited by criminal elements in the region.

During the invasion, five shops were looted and four residents were forcefully taken to an undisclosed location, triggering fear and uncertainty across the village.

The victims were identified as Tasiu Malam Yahaya (32), Hakilu Ubayo (15), Abdul Aziz Suleiman (28), and Rabiu Ganjua (16), all of whom own or operate the shops.They were taken to an unknown destination.

Upon receiving the report, the Commissioner of Police, Sani Omolori-Aliyu, directed the Divisional Police Officer in Alkaleri, along with vigilantes and hunters, to launch a search-and-rescue operation.

“The area is now calm, but our operatives are still combing the nearby bushes to locate and rescue the victims. We are hopeful of making arrests and bringing the perpetrators to justice,” Wali said.

He added that the Command is stepping up measures to curb rising incidents of kidnapping and other crimes in the area.