Armed men kidnapped two local councillors and an imam in Zamfara State’s capital Gusau on Wednesday night, police and local officials said, in the latest violence to hit Nigeria’s northwest.
Police spokesperson Yazid Abubakar told newsmen that the victims, representing Gidan Gona and Tsibiri wards in Maradun local government, were seized outside their homes in Tsauni community at about 7 p.m., shortly after evening prayers.
“The command has deployed personnel to the area, and efforts are ongoing to rescue the victims,” Abubakar said, urging residents to provide information to assist security forces.
Maradun local government chairman Sanusi Gamagiwa said the attackers initially abducted six people but later freed three, leaving with the two councillors and the imam. “So far, they have not contacted anyone to state their demands,” he said.
Tsauni community, located behind the Federal Road Safety Corps headquarters in Gusau, also shelters displaced families from other villages attacked by bandits.
Kidnappings for ransom by armed gangs, often referred to by authorities as bandits, have become increasingly common in Zamfara and neighbouring states, adding to Nigeria’s worsening security crisis.