Bandits have once again targeted and abducted Bello Janbako, a director at the Centre for Research of the Federal University Gusau, at Zamfara State, the incident occurred in Damba Gusau, the state capital, during the early hours of Wednesday.
According to Nasamu Garba, a resident in the area, the assailants, armed and dangerous, stormed Janbako’s residence at approximately 2 a.m., creating panic by firing multiple gunshots. The bandits successfully broke into the house and seized Janbako.
Efforts to thwart the abduction were made as security personnel engaged the bandits in a fierce gun battle upon arriving at the scene. Unfortunately, despite the valiant efforts of the security forces, the bandits, outnumbering their opposition, managed to overpower them and escape with Janbako into the nearby forest.
Garba expressed deep concern about the deteriorating security situation in the area, emphasizing that despite its proximity to the Government House Gusau, the Damba locality is no longer safe. He lamented the recurrent bandit attacks, noting that many residents have fallen victim to abductions.
The incident follows the recent abduction of Malam Sabiu, the Director of Finance in the state Ministry of Finance, who was kidnapped two days prior. Last year, the wife and two children of another finance director, Surajo Hassan, residing in the same area, also fell victim to abduction.
The escalating insecurity has prompted residents to flee the area in search of safety, given the persistent presence of bandits who target individuals for ransom. The situation raises serious concerns about the overall security landscape in Zamfara State.