Bandits Abduct High Court Judge in Kebbi
A judge of the Kebbi State High Court, Justice Faruku Hassan Bunza, has been abducted by armed bandits following a midnight attack on his residence in Bunza Local Government Area of the state.
The incident, which occurred in the early hours of Sunday, has sparked fresh concerns over the security situation in parts of the North-West, where attacks by armed groups have continued despite ongoing security operations.
Justice Bunza was reportedly taken away by the gunmen shortly after returning from a trip to Sokoto State.
Sources familiar with the incident said the attackers invaded his residence along Zogirma Road at about midnight and fired several gunshots into the air before carrying out the abduction.
Residents of the area were said to have been thrown into panic as the sound of gunfire echoed through the neighbourhood during the operation.
A source close to the family disclosed that the judge had only recently arrived from Sokoto when the attackers struck.
“He had just returned from Sokoto when the gunmen invaded his residence and abducted him,” the source said.
The source added that security agencies and judicial authorities were immediately informed after the incident.
“Immediately the incident happened, we alerted the relevant authorities, including the leadership of the High Court,” the source added.
It was gathered that no member of the judge’s family sustained injuries during the attack, although the gunmen successfully took him away before security operatives could intervene.
The Kebbi State Police Command has confirmed the incident and said efforts are underway to secure the judge’s release.
Spokesperson of the command, SP Bashir Usman, said Justice Bunza was abducted from his residence around midnight.
“I can confirm that Hon. Justice Faruku Hassan Bunza was abducted from his residence in Bunza around midnight,” Usman said.
According to him, the Commissioner of Police in the state, CP Umar Muhammad Hadejia, has ordered an immediate response and deployed security personnel to track down the kidnappers.
He said tactical and intelligence teams have already been mobilised to locations believed to be used by criminal groups operating in the area.
“Our personnel are combing identified locations, including forest hideouts, to ensure that the judge is rescued alive and unharmed,” the police spokesperson stated.
The abduction has also generated concern within the judiciary.
A senior official of the Kebbi State High Court described the incident as shocking and troubling, noting that the attack directly targeted a serving judicial officer in his home.
“This is a painful moment for us. The abduction of one of our judges from his own residence is deeply disturbing,” the official said.
The official revealed that judicial authorities in the state had already engaged security agencies to strengthen efforts aimed at securing the judge’s freedom.
He added that discussions had been held with security chiefs to ensure a coordinated response to the situation.
As of the time of filing this report, the whereabouts of Justice Bunza remained unknown and no group had claimed responsibility for the abduction.
