Bandits have once again struck in Zamfara State, kidnapping Bello Janbako, a senior lecturer at the Department of Islamic Studies and director of the Centre for Research of the Federal University Gusau. Janbako was abducted from his residence in Damba Gusau, the state capital, in the early hours of Wednesday.
The bandits broke into his house and fired several gunshots to intimidate the residents before abducting him. Security personnel engaged the bandits in a gunfight, but they were overpowered, and Janbako was taken away.
The incident has caused residents of the area to flee to other places in search of safety, as the bandits are always around and kidnapping people for ransom. This area, which is part of Gusau town, the state capital, is no longer safe, according to Nasamu Garba, a resident of the area. Garba also stated that the bandits had abducted many people from the region despite its proximity to the Government House Gusau.
This is not the first time bandits have targeted individuals in the area. Malam Sabiu, a Director of Finance in the state Ministry of Finance, was abducted two days ago, and last year, the wife and two children of another finance director, Surajo Hassan, were also seized.
The state police command spokesperson, ASP Yazid Abubakar, could not be reached for comment, while the state Commissioner for Security, Captain Bala Mairiga (retd.), did not take his calls.
The situation in Zamfara State has become increasingly dire, with bandits carrying out attacks and abductions regularly. In December 2023, bandits killed a lecturer at the Zamfara State College of Education, Maru, after collecting a ransom of N2 million for his release. In September 2023, armed bandits abducted students of the Federal University Gusau in the early hours of Friday.
