Bandits abduct Zamfara LG chairman, kill four guards

The chairman of Bungudu Local Government Area in Zamfara State, Nura Abdullahi, was abducted by armed bandits from his residence in a late-night attack on Friday, July 24, 2026. The assault resulted in the deaths of four security personnel and left at least one civilian injured, according to local sources and a military statement.

The attack occurred around 11:40 p.m. in Bungudu town. A large group of assailants invaded the chairman's residence, engaging his security detail in a gun battle. Officials stated the bandits overpowered the guards, which included police officers and local vigilantes, before abducting Abdullahi. Initial reports indicated his wife and children were also taken, but a subsequent military statement confirmed that five family members, including two children, his mother, wife, and a relative, were rescued by responding troops.

The security personnel killed in the attack were identified as Inspector Basiru Lawal, Constable Hamza Muhammad, and vigilante members Nura ADC and Ibrahim Baare. A civilian was also reported killed. The chairman's elder brother, Bello Umar Abdullahi, a former state finance ministry treasurer, was injured and is receiving treatment....