Suspected bandits have kidnapped Hon. Justice Faruku Hassan Bunza, a Judge of the Kebbi State High Court, during a midnight raid on his home in Bunza Local Government Area, Kebbi State. This incident has triggered an intense rescue operation by security agencies.
The abduction took place in the early hours of Sunday at the judge’s residence on Zogirma Road in Bunza, shortly after he returned from Sokoto State. Witnesses reported that heavily armed assailants entered the residence around midnight, fired shots into the air to intimidate neighbors, and took the judge to an undisclosed location. Thankfully, no family members or household occupants were harmed during the event.
SP Bashir Usman, spokesperson for the Kebbi State Police Command, confirmed the abduction and stated that a coordinated search-and-rescue operation was promptly initiated upon receiving the report.
Commissioner of Police Umar Muhammad Hadejia has dispatched tactical and intelligence teams to pursue the kidnappers and secure the judge’s safe return.
“I can confirm that Hon. Justice Faruku Hassan Bunza was kidnapped from his home in Bunza around midnight. Our tactical and intelligence teams are searching specific locations, including nearby forests, to ensure his safe rescue,” said the police spokesman.
A senior official of the Kebbi State High Court, speaking anonymously as he was not authorized to speak publicly, described the incident as distressing for the judiciary.
The court leadership has already convened with state security heads to strategize on securing Justice Bunza’s swift release.
This kidnapping has heightened concerns among judicial officers, lawyers, and Kebbi State residents, reflecting a deteriorating security situation in parts of the North-West. It also underscores recent worries about the safety of judicial and public officials performing their duties.
Security forces have since increased surveillance around Bunza and neighboring areas while search teams continue to investigate forests and known bandit hideouts that could serve as escape routes for the captors.
At the time of this report, no group had claimed responsibility, and police efforts continue to ensure Justice Bunza’s rescue and bring the perpetrators to justice.
