Justice Faruku Bunza of the Kebbi State High Court has reportedly been abducted by suspected gunmen from his residence in Bunza Local Government Area of Kebbi State.
According to a family source, the incident occurred around midnight on Sunday, shortly after the judge returned home from Sokoto State.
The source said the armed men stormed Justice Bunza’s residence along Zogirma Road and took him away without harming other members of the household or residents in the area.
“Justice Faruku Hassan Bunza had just returned from Sokoto. Shortly after he arrived at his residence around midnight, armed men invaded the house and abducted him.
“They were shouting while carrying out the operation, attracting the attention of residents in the neighbourhood. However, they succeeded in taking him away before anyone could intervene,” the source said.
Family Appeals For Swift Rescue
The family said the incident was immediately reported to the relevant authorities, including the management of the Kebbi State High Court.
They appealed to security agencies and the Kebbi State Government to intensify efforts to secure the judge’s safe release.
“We are deeply worried over the abduction of our brother. We appeal to Nigerians to pray for his safe return and urge security agencies to act swiftly to rescue him from his captors,” the source added.
Judiciary Describes Incident As Disturbing
A senior official of the Kebbi State High Court, who spoke anonymously because they were not authorised to comment publicly, confirmed the incident and described it as a troubling development for the judiciary.
The official revealed that the court’s management had already begun consultations with security agencies to facilitate the judge’s rescue.
“It is indeed a painful moment for the judiciary. We have met with the heads of security agencies in the state to strategise on securing his immediate release,” the official said.
Police Deploy Tactical Teams
Confirming the abduction, the spokesperson for the Kebbi State Police Command, SP Bashir Usman, said tactical and intelligence operatives had been mobilised immediately after the report was received.
“I can confirm that Justice Faruku Hassan Bunza was abducted from his residence in Bunza around midnight.
“Upon receiving the report, the Commissioner of Police, CP Umar Muhammad Hadejia, immediately deployed tactical and intelligence operatives to ensure his safe rescue,” Usman said.
Manhunt Underway
The police said a coordinated manhunt is ongoing, with security operatives searching identified hideouts and forest areas in an effort to rescue the judge unharmed.
The command also assured residents that it is working closely with other security agencies to apprehend those responsible for the abduction.
As of the time of filing this report, no group had claimed responsibility for the incident, while police said investigations remain ongoing.
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