Bandits kill Zamfara Governor’s aide as Police rescue 19 kidnap victims

Armed bandits have killed Nasiru Sani Kaura, a Senior Special Assistant to Zamfara State Governor, Dauda Lawal, during an attack on Kaura Namoda town.

The attack reportedly occurred in the early hours of Sunday when gunmen invaded the low-cost area of the town, opening fire on residents.

According to local accounts, the attackers stormed the neighbourhood while Muslims were observing the early morning Subh (Fajr) prayer, forcing residents to flee for safety.

Kaura, a politician with strong grassroots connections and a community leader, was reportedly shot dead during the invasion.

His killing has thrown Kaura Namoda and neighbouring communities into mourning, with residents describing his death as a major loss.

His funeral prayer was subsequently held in accordance with Islamic rites.

The incident has renewed concerns over the worsening security situation in Zamfara North, where armed bandits have continued to launch attacks, kill residents and abduct people.

Residents have called on the state government and security agencies to strengthen security operations and prevent further attacks on communities.

READ ALSO; Bandits kill Kaduna-Abuja highway kidnap victim after collecting N56m ransom

Meanwhile, the Zamfara State Police Command has announced the rescue of 19 kidnapped victims, including women and children, after 22 days in captivity.

The victims were reportedly abducted from Tungar Haki Village, through Wanke, in Gusau Local Government Area, and taken to a bandits’ hideout near Kungurmi Village.

The police said the victims regained their freedom on Saturday, November 14, at about 10 am following a coordinated security operation.

The operation involved personnel of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit, Government House police formation, Department of State Services (DSS) and local hunters.

According to the command, the rescue followed credible intelligence on the location where the victims were being held.

The Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Yazid Abubakar, confirmed the development in a statement, saying all 19 victims were rescued without injuries.

“All 19 victims were rescued without injuries and had been reunited with their families,” he said.

The Commissioner of Police, Ahmad Muhammad Bello, commended the security operatives for their bravery, professionalism and collaboration, which led to the successful operation.

He assured residents that the command would sustain efforts to combat kidnapping and other criminal activities across the state.

Bello also urged members of the public to cooperate with security agencies by providing credible and timely information that could assist ongoing operations.