Justice Faruku Hassan Bunza was seized shortly after returning from a trip to Sokoto, as police launch a rescue operation
Faruku Bunza, a judge of the Kebbi State High Court, has been abducted by bandits from his residence in Bunza local government area of the state.
Bunza was kidnapped by bandits in the early hours of Sunday at his home along Zogirma Road, shortly after returning from a trip to Sokoto.
How the abduction happened
According to Daily Trust, sources said the attack occurred at about midnight on Saturday.
“He had just returned from Sokoto when the gunmen stormed his residence and took him away,” a source said.
The source added that nobody in the house was hurt, though the attackers fired sporadically before moving away with the judge.
“Immediately the incident occurred, we reported to the appropriate authorities, including the leadership of the High Court,” the source said.
Police response and rescue operation
Bashir Usman, spokesperson of the Kebbi State Police Command, confirmed the abduction.
“I can confirm that Hon. Justice Faruku Hassan Bunza was abducted from his residence in Bunza around midnight,” Usman said.
He said that on receiving the report, Commissioner of Police Umar Muhammad Hadejia deployed tactical and intelligence operatives to secure the judge’s rescue.
“As we speak, our personnel are combing identified locations, including forest areas, to ensure that the judge is rescued alive and unharmed,” the spokesperson said.
A senior official of the Kebbi State High Court, who spoke on condition of anonymity, also confirmed the incident, describing it as a painful moment for the judiciary.
“I am not authorised to speak formally, but this is a painful moment for us. To hear that one of our judges was abducted at his residence is very disturbing,” the official said, adding that court management had begun consultations with security agencies to coordinate his release.
The abduction adds to growing concerns over insecurity in parts of Nigeria’s North-West, where attacks by armed groups have persisted despite ongoing security operations in the region.
