Bandits have again kidnapped a director, Centre for Research of the Federal University Gusau in Zamfara State, Bello Janbako.

Janbako, who is also a senior lecturer at the university’s Department of Islamic Studies, was kidnapped in his residence in Damba Gusau, the state capital on Wednesday.

A resident of the area, Nasamu Garba told The PUNCH that the bandits broke into Janbako’s residence around 2 a.m. on Wednesday and took him away.

Garba said security personnel engaged the bandits in a gun duel in a bid to foil the abduction.

He said, “When the bandits arrived at the residence of Bello Janbako, they fired several gunshots in order to frighten the residents of the area.

“They later broke into the house and abducted him but were confronted by the security personnel who arrived the area on a rescue mission.

“There was a serious fight between the bandits and the security personnel.

“Unfortunately, the bandits overpowered the security personnel due to their numbers and ran back to the forest with Bello Janbako.”

He added, “It is really unfortunate, this area which is part of Gusau town, the state capital is no more safe.

“The bandits have been attacking us and have abducted many people from this area despite its closeness to the Government House Gusau.

“If the people of Damba area are not safe, one can say that the whole state is now controlled by bandits.”

PUNCH Online reports that a resident of the area who is a Director of Finance in the state Ministry of Finance, Malam Sabiu, was abducted two days ago.

Similarly, the wife and two children of another finance director, Surajo Hassan, who were also residents of the area were abducted last year.

Residents of the area are currently fleeing to other places for safety as the bandits are always around and kidnapping the people for ransom.

The spokesperson of the state police command, 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 PUNCH)

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