Gunmen abduct Kebbi high court judge

Justice Faruku Bunza of the Kebbi State High Court has been abducted from his residence in Bunza Local Government Area, triggering a coordinated rescue operation by security agencies. The incident occurred before dawn on Sunday, shortly after the judge returned home from Sokoto State.

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Justice Faruku Hassan Bunza had just returned from Sokoto. Shortly after he arrived at his residence around midnight, armed men invaded the house and abducted him. They were shouting during the operation, attracting the attention of people around, but they left with him before anyone could intervene.

A family source reported that armed men invaded Justice Bunza's residence, shouting and alerting residents, but managed to abduct him without harming others. The family has appealed to security agencies and the state government to intensify efforts for his safe release, with Nigerians urged to pray for his swift return.

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We are deeply worried about the abduction of our brother. We appeal to Nigerians to pray for his safe return and urge security agencies to act swiftly.

A senior official from the Kebbi State High Court confirmed the abduction, calling it a disturbing setback for the judiciary. The court management is consulting with security agencies to coordinate rescue efforts. The official stated, “It is indeed a painful moment for the judiciary. We have engaged the heads of security agencies in the state to strategise on securing his immediate release.”

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It is indeed a painful moment for the judiciary. We have engaged the heads of security agencies in the state to strategise on securing his immediate release.

The Kebbi State Police Command confirmed the abduction. Police Public Relations Officer SP Bashir Usman stated that the Commissioner of Police, CP Umar Hadejia, immediately deployed tactical and intelligence teams. “Upon receiving the report, the Commissioner of Police immediately deployed tactical and intelligence operatives to ensure his safe rescue,” Usman said, adding that a manhunt is underway in suspected hideouts and surrounding forest areas.

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I can confirm that Hon. Justice Faruku Hassan Bunza was abducted from his residence in Bunza around midnight. Upon receiving the report, the Commissioner of Police immediately deployed tactical and intelligence operatives to ensure his safe rescue.