The Zamfara State Police Command has confirmed the abduction of two councillors and an Imam by suspected gunmen in Tsauni community, located in Gusau, the state capital.
The incident occurred on Wednesday evening around 7:00 p.m., shortly after the evening prayers.
The victims were reportedly taken in front of their residences by armed men.
Speaking to journalists via telephone on Thursday, the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Yazid Abubakar, said the abducted councillors represent Gidan Gona and Tsibiri wards in Maradun Local Government Area.
The Imam of the community was also taken alongside the two officials.
According to Abubakar, the incident happened in Tsauni, a community situated behind the Federal Road Safety Corps’ Sector Command headquarters in Gusau. The area is known for hosting internally displaced persons (IDPs) who fled various communities affected by armed banditry.
The police spokesperson added that security operatives had been deployed to the area and that efforts were underway to rescue the victims. He also called on residents to support the police with timely and credible information to help prevent similar attacks.
Meanwhile, the Chairman of Maradun Local Government Area, Sanusi Gamagiwa, also confirmed the abduction in a separate telephone interview. He said the attackers initially abducted six people.
“They later released three persons and left with the two councillors and the Imam of the area. So far, they have yet to contact anyone of us to know their demands,” Gamagiwa stated.
The latest incident adds to the growing concerns over insecurity in Zamfara State, which has been a hotspot for repeated attacks by armed groups in recent years.
