Armed men invaded the home of the Executive Chairman of Bungudu Local Government Area in Zamfara State in the early hours of Friday and abducted him.

The Chairman, Hon. Nura Umar Abdullahi, was taken alongside some of his family members after the attackers overran his police and vigilante guards.

Security sources said troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA rushed to the scene following reports of gunfire and engaged the gunmen. The encounter forced the attackers to flee with the Chairman, but they abandoned 5 of his relatives during the pursuit.

Those rescued include the Chairman’s wife, mother, two children and one other relative.

The assault was deadly. Two policemen and one vigilante member were killed while trying to repel the attackers. One civilian also lost his life, and the Chairman’s elder brother, Alhaji Bello Umar, sustained injuries.

The Theatre Command said it has launched a joint operation involving the military, police, DSS and local vigilantes to track the abductors and secure the Chairman’s release.

In a statement, the Command urged residents to stay calm and share useful information that could aid the rescue effort, adding that all necessary measures are being deployed to ensure the Chairman returns safely and those responsible are arrested.