By Sandra Kenneth
Security agencies in Kebbi State have launched a coordinated joint rescue operation following the midnight abduction of Justice Faruku Hassan Bunza, a judge of the Kebbi State High Court, from his home in Bunza Local Government Area.
The incident occurred shortly after Justice Bunza returned home from a trip to neighboring Sokoto State. According to family sources, armed men invaded his residence along Zogirma Road around midnight, shouting and creating commotion before whisking the judge away to an unknown destination.
“Justice Faruku Hassan Bunza had just returned from Sokoto,” a family member told reporters. “Shortly after he arrived, armed men invaded the house and abducted him. They were shouting during the operation, attracting the attention of people nearby, but they managed to flee with him before anyone could intervene.”
The source noted that no physical harm was done to other occupants of the home or neighbors during the raid, while appealing to both the government and the public for help. “We are deeply worried about our brother. We appeal to Nigerians to pray for his safe return and urge security agencies to act swiftly.”
The Kebbi State Police Command confirmed the abduction and assured the public that measures are already underway to secure the jurist’s release.
Speaking on the incident, the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bashir Usman, stated that the State Commissioner of Police, CP Umar Hadejia, has deployed tactical and intelligence teams to track down the perpetrators.
“I can confirm that Hon. Justice Faruku Hassan Bunza was abducted from his residence in Bunza around midnight,” SP Usman said, adding that security personnel are currently combing nearby forest hideouts and surrounding areas.
The abduction has sent shockwaves through the state’s legal community. A senior official of the Kebbi State High Court, who spoke on condition of anonymity, described the incident as a disturbing blow to the judiciary.
“It is indeed a painful moment for the judiciary,” the official said. “We have engaged the heads of security agencies across the state to strategise on securing his immediate and safe release.”
As of press time, no group has claimed responsibility for the kidnapping, and police investigations remain ongoing.
