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Suspected gunmen have kidnapped a judge of the Kebbi State High Court, Justice Faruku Bunza, after invading his residence in the early hours of Sunday.
The abduction has prompted a large-scale search by security agencies, which have launched a rescue operation to secure the judge’s freedom and apprehend those behind the attack.
Bunza’s relative told journalists that he had only recently arrived from neighbouring Sokoto State when the assailants struck his home.
According to the source, the armed men stormed the residence shortly after midnight, shouting as they carried out the operation, but left without attacking other members of the household or residents nearby.
“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,” the source said.
The family said the incident was promptly reported to security agencies and the leadership of the Kebbi State High Court.
Appealing for the judge’s safe return, the source urged the authorities to intensify rescue efforts.
“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,” the source added.
A senior official of the Kebbi State High Court, who requested anonymity because they were not authorised to speak publicly, confirmed the incident and described it as a serious blow to the judiciary.
The official disclosed that the court had begun working with security agencies to coordinate efforts aimed at securing Justice Bunza’s release.
“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 official said.
The spokesperson for the Kebbi State Police Command, SP Bashir Usman, also confirmed the abduction, saying the Commissioner of Police, CP Umar Hadejia, had ordered the immediate deployment of tactical and intelligence teams.
“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,” Usman said.
He said security personnel had launched a coordinated operation, searching suspected hideouts and surrounding forests in an effort to locate the judge and arrest his abductors.
Usman assured residents that the police, in collaboration with other security agencies, were doing everything possible to rescue Justice Bunza unharmed and ensure those responsible are brought to justice.
As of the time of filing this report, no group had claimed responsibility for the kidnapping, while investigations and rescue efforts were continuing.
