Bandits abduct varsity lecturer in Zamfara

Once again, bandits have carried out a kidnapping, targeting Bello Janbako, the director of the Centre for Research at the Federal University Gusau in Zamfara State. Janbako, who is also a senior lecturer in the university’s Department of Islamic Studies, was abducted from his residence in Damba Gusau, the state capital, in the early hours of Wednesday.

According to Nasamu Garba, a resident of the area, the bandits invaded Janbako’s home around 2 a.m., employing gunfire to instill fear among the residents. Despite security personnel engaging in a gunfight to thwart the abduction, the bandits, due to their numerical advantage, overpowered the security forces and successfully fled to the forest with Janbako.

Garba expressed concern about the deteriorating security situation in the area, emphasizing that despite its proximity to the Government House Gusau, Damba, a part of Gusau town, is no longer safe. He highlighted the bandits' repeated attacks and abductions in the region.

This incident follows the recent kidnapping of Malam Sabiu, the Director of Finance in the state Ministry of Finance, just two days ago. Additionally, last year, the wife and two children of another finance director, Surajo Hassan, who lived in the same area, were also abducted by criminals. Faced with the constant threat of bandit activities and kidnappings for ransom, residents are reportedly fleeing to safer locations.

Efforts to obtain comments from the spokesperson of the state police command, ASP Yazid Abubakar, were unsuccessful. The state Commissioner for Security, Captain Bala Mairiga (retd.), did not respond to calls.