Concern has continued to grow in Kebbi State following the abduction of a High Court judge, Justice Faruku Hassan Bunza, by suspected gunmen who invaded his residence in the early hours of Sunday, prompting an intensive rescue operation by security agencies.
The incident, which occurred in Bunza Local Government Area, has sent shockwaves through the state’s judiciary and renewed concerns over the worsening security situation in parts of northwestern Nigeria, where kidnappings for ransom and armed attacks have become increasingly frequent.
According to family members, Justice Bunza had only recently returned to his hometown from Sokoto State before the attackers struck.
Sources close to the family said the judge arrived at his residence along Zogirma Road shortly before midnight after completing official engagements outside the state. Only a few hours later, heavily armed men reportedly stormed the property, forcing their way into the compound before abducting him.
Witnesses said the gunmen shouted loudly during the operation, attracting the attention of residents living nearby. Despite the alarm raised by neighbours, the attackers managed to leave the area with the judge before help could arrive.
Fortunately, no other member of the household or neighbouring residents was reported injured during the attack.
The incident was immediately reported to the Kebbi State High Court authorities and security agencies, triggering an emergency response aimed at locating the abducted judicial officer.
Family members have appealed passionately to the Federal Government, the Kebbi State Government and all security agencies to intensify efforts toward securing Justice Bunza’s safe and unconditional release.
A relative of the judge described the development as heartbreaking, saying the family remains hopeful that he will return home safely.
“We are deeply worried about his safety and sincerely appeal to Nigerians to remember him in their prayers while security agencies do everything possible to rescue him,” the family source reportedly said.
The abduction has also generated serious concern within the judiciary.
A senior official of the Kebbi State High Court, who spoke anonymously because of the sensitivity of the matter, described the incident as a painful attack on the justice system.
The official disclosed that court management had already begun consultations with the police and other security agencies to coordinate rescue efforts and ensure the judge’s safe return.
According to the source, the judiciary remains confident that security agencies will deploy every available resource to secure Justice Bunza’s freedom as quickly as possible.
Confirming the incident, the spokesperson for the Kebbi State Police Command, SP Bashir Usman, said Commissioner of Police Umar Hadejia immediately ordered the deployment of tactical units and intelligence personnel following reports of the abduction.
The police spokesman said specialised operatives had commenced a coordinated search operation across suspected hideouts and nearby forest locations believed to be possible escape routes for the kidnappers.
He assured residents that the command was working closely with other security agencies to ensure the judge is rescued unharmed while those responsible for the crime are arrested and prosecuted.
According to the police, intelligence gathering and surveillance activities have been intensified as investigators continue tracking the movements of the suspected abductors.
As of the time of filing this report, no individual or criminal group had claimed responsibility for the kidnapping, while authorities had not disclosed whether any contact had been established with the abductors.
The attack adds to a series of security challenges confronting communities across Kebbi and neighbouring states in recent years.
Although security operations have recorded successes against criminal gangs operating in parts of the Northwest, incidents of kidnapping and armed violence continue to pose significant threats to residents, government officials and public institutions.
Legal practitioners and members of the judiciary have expressed concern over the latest incident, warning that attacks targeting judicial officers could undermine public confidence in the administration of justice.
Several lawyers have called for stronger security around courts, judges and other public officials, particularly in states facing persistent security threats.
Residents of Bunza also appealed for increased security patrols and intelligence gathering across vulnerable communities to prevent similar attacks in the future.
Many described the abduction of a serving judge as a disturbing development that demonstrates the need for stronger collaboration among security agencies in combating violent crime.
As rescue efforts continue, the judiciary, legal community and residents of Kebbi State remain hopeful that Justice Faruku Hassan Bunza will be rescued safely and reunited with his family in the coming days.
The police have urged members of the public to remain calm while providing useful information that could assist ongoing investigations, reaffirming their commitment to ensuring that those behind the attack are brought to justice.
