Bandits have abducted two serving local government councillors and another resident during an attack in Gusau, Zamfara state capital.
The attack took place around 8 pm on Wednesday as Nigeria marked Independence Day.
Local sources said the gunmen stormed the Tsauni area of Gusau and whisked their victims into the forest.
The abducted councillors are said to represent Gidan Gona and Tsibiri wards in Maradun local government area, though their names were withheld for security reasons.
The incident comes despite ongoing peace talks between government officials and armed groups aimed at ending years of violence in Zamfara.
Recently, worshippers were massacred inside a mosque in the state during evening prayers, a tragedy that drew outrage but little decisive security response.
Yazid Abubakar, spokesperson of the Zamfara Police Command, confirmed the abduction, saying three people, including the two councillors, were taken away.
“The command is working tirelessly to ensure the safe rescue of the captives. There is light at the end of the tunnel,” he said.
Abubakar added that police operatives and other security agencies are already on the trail of the kidnappers.
