There is heightened tension in Kebbi State following the abduction of the Deputy Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Hon. Samaila Bambu, by suspected armed bandits.
The incident occurred on Friday evening in Bagudo, the lawmaker’s hometown in Bagudo Local Government Area, throwing the community into fear and confusion.
According to eyewitness accounts, the attackers invaded Bagudo in the evening, operating for several minutes before security operatives could respond. Residents said the heavily armed men whisked the Deputy Speaker away to an unknown destination.
“They came suddenly, shooting into the air and moving straight to his residence. Before security could arrive, they had already taken him away,” one local source told reporters.
The abduction has since created tension across the local government and the state capital, Birnin Kebbi, as family members, colleagues, and political associates anxiously await updates on his whereabouts.
When contacted, the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Kebbi State, Ahmed Idris, confirmed receiving information about the abduction.
“Yes, I just got the information about the alleged abduction of the Deputy Speaker in his hometown this evening,” Idris said. “I am in touch with the Director of Security in the state. Once I get the details of what transpired, I will alert you very soon on the government’s position.”
He added that the state government was already coordinating with security agencies to ensure the safe rescue of the lawmaker.
“I can assure you that the state government is on top of the situation and will ensure he is released safely,” he stated.
Reports indicate that security personnel have been deployed to Bagudo and surrounding areas as part of efforts to locate and rescue the Deputy Speaker.
The Kebbi State Police Command and other security agencies are said to be collaborating to track down the abductors, though official details about the operation remain undisclosed for security reasons.
Meanwhile, residents of Bagudo have called on the government to strengthen security in the area, citing frequent attacks by armed groups in border communities along the Niger Republic corridor.
Kebbi State, which shares borders with Sokoto, Zamfara, and Niger States, has witnessed an upsurge in banditry and kidnapping over the past few years. Communities in Bagudo, Sakaba, Danko-Wasagu, and Fakai local government areas have particularly been affected by repeated raids, abductions, and displacement.
Security experts have expressed concern that the kidnapping of such a high-profile political figure underscores the deteriorating security situation in the North-West region.
Authorities, however, have assured the public that every effort is being made to ensure his safe return and to restore calm in the affected area.
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