Suspected gunmen have abducted a judge of the Kebbi State High Court, Justice Faruku Hassan Bunza, from his residence in Bunza Local Government Area of Kebbi State.
The judge was kidnapped in the early hours of Sunday after armed men stormed his home along Zogirma Road, prompting a coordinated rescue operation by security agencies.
A family source said Justice Bunza had returned to his residence from neighbouring Sokoto State shortly before the attackers struck.
According to the source, the gunmen invaded the house while shouting, attracting the attention of residents, but escaped with the judge before anyone could intervene. No other occupants of the house or neighbours were harmed during the incident.
“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,” the source said.
“They were shouting during the operation, attracting the attention of people around, but they left with him before anyone could intervene.”
The abduction was immediately reported to the relevant authorities, including the management of the Kebbi State High Court.
The family appealed to the authorities to intensify efforts to secure the judge’s safe release.
“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 on the matter, confirmed the incident and described it as a serious setback for the judiciary.
The official said the court management had begun consultations 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 Police Public Relations Officer of the Kebbi State Police Command, SP Bashir Usman, also confirmed the abduction.
He said the Commissioner of Police, Umar Hadejia, had deployed tactical and intelligence teams to rescue the judge.
“I can confirm that Hon. Justice Faruku Hassan Bunza was abducted from his residence in Bunza around midnight,” Usman said.
