Justice Faruku Hassan Bunza of the Kebbi State High Court has been abducted by suspected bandits from his residence in Bunza Local Government Area of Kebbi State, in an incident that has heightened concerns over the security situation in Nigeria’s northwest. The attack occurred in the early hours of Sunday, prompting an immediate rescue operation by security agencies.
According to family members, the judge had just returned home from Sokoto State shortly before armed men invaded his residence along Zogirma Road. The attackers reportedly stormed the house around midnight and took him away before help could arrive. Other members of the household were not physically harmed during the incident.
A relative of the judge described the incident as heartbreaking and appealed to security agencies to act quickly. The family said they were deeply worried about his safety and urged Nigerians to pray for his safe return while expressing hope that he would be rescued unharmed.
The Kebbi State Police Command confirmed the abduction and said the Commissioner of Police, Umar Hadejia, immediately deployed tactical and intelligence teams to begin a rescue operation. Police spokesperson SP Bashir Usman said officers were combing forests and other suspected hideouts in search of the kidnappers.
The incident has also shaken the state’s judiciary. A senior official of the Kebbi State High Court described the abduction as a painful moment for the judicial system and said court authorities were working closely with security agencies to secure the judge’s release as quickly as possible.
Justice Bunza’s abduction is the latest in a series of kidnappings that have affected parts of northwestern Nigeria. Armed groups have continued to target communities, travelers, traditional rulers and public officials despite ongoing military and police operations aimed at restoring security in the region.
Security analysts say the incident highlights the growing challenge of protecting public officials in areas affected by banditry. They believe stronger intelligence gathering, improved surveillance and closer cooperation between security agencies and local communities are essential to tackling the threat.
As of the time of publication, no group had claimed responsibility for the abduction, and police said there had been no official announcement of any ransom demand. Authorities appealed to residents to provide any information that could help investigators locate the judge and arrest those responsible.
The abduction has drawn widespread reactions across Nigeria. Many citizens expressed sympathy for Justice Bunza’s family and called on the government to strengthen efforts against kidnapping and banditry. Others said the incident, involving a serving High Court judge, demonstrates that insecurity remains a major national concern and urged authorities to ensure his safe and speedy return.
