Kebbi Deputy Speaker Abducted by Armed Bandits — The Bureau News Nigeria News Today
By Abdullahi Tukur | The Bureau News
The Kebbi State Police Command has confirmed the abduction of the Deputy Speaker of the Kebbi State House of Assembly, Hon. Muhammad Sama’ila Bagudo, by suspected armed bandits in Bagudo Local Government Area.
According to a statement released on Friday by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, CSP Nafiu Abubakar, the incident occurred shortly after the lawmaker observed Isha’i prayers on Thursday night and was heading home when the assailants struck.
Police Confirm Abduction and Launch Rescue Mission
The police spokesperson said a group of armed men wielding sophisticated weapons stormed Bagudo town and whisked the Deputy Speaker away to an undisclosed location.
“On receipt of the report, a combined team of Police tactical units, military personnel, and vigilante groups was immediately deployed to the area. They are currently combing suspected routes and nearby forests to rescue the abducted lawmaker unhurt and apprehend the culprits,” the statement read.
Commissioner Reassures Public of Ongoing Security Efforts
Following the incident, the Commissioner of Police, CP Bello M. Sani, reaffirmed the Command’s unwavering commitment to protecting the lives and property of citizens in the state. He described the attack as “regrettable and unacceptable” but assured residents that every effort was being made to ensure the safe return of the abducted legislator.
“We are leaving no stone unturned in our efforts to rescue the victim and bring the perpetrators to justice,” CP Sani stated.
Public Urged to Remain Calm and Vigilant
The police appealed to members of the public to remain calm, vigilant, and cooperative with law enforcement officers by sharing credible information that could aid the ongoing search operations.
The Bureau News reports that Kebbi State, which has remained relatively peaceful compared to other parts of the Northwest, has recently witnessed isolated cases of bandit activity around border communities with Niger and Zamfara States.
As of press time, security operations in Bagudo LGA and its environs were ongoing, with reinforcement teams patrolling major entry and exit routes to block potential escape paths of the abductors.