Bandits on Wednesday night abducted two serving councillors and an Imam in a daring raid at Tsauni community in Gusau, capital of Zamfara State.

The councillors, who represent Gidan Goga and Tsibiri wards in Maradun Local Government Area, were reportedly seized around 8:05 p.m. near a police outpost, shortly after performing the Maghrib prayers.

Chairman of Maradun LGA, Hon. Sanusi Gama Giwa, confirmed the incident and identified the abducted councillors as members of his council.

According to him, the victims were relaxing with others at a tea spot when the armed men struck.

“It happened right in front of a police station where officers are usually present. The bandits even collected phones from the police officers without resistance. They didn’t harm anyone.” he said

Giwa added that the bandits were initially in search of a specific individual from Kaura village.

” Upon failing to capture their target, they stumbled upon the group of men and abducted six of them.

“However, after moving a short distance, they released three and continued on with the councillors and the Imam,” he said

Tsauni, the scene of the abduction, is a community that has previously hosted internally displaced persons fleeing banditry from surrounding villages — raising further concerns about the vulnerability of such areas.

Police authorities have confirmed the incident.

Speaking via telephone, the Spokesperson of the Zamfara State Police Command, DSP Yazid Abubakar, said operatives had been deployed to the area and a rescue operation is underway.

“We are doing everything within our power to rescue the victims and bring the perpetrators to justice,” DSP Abubakar said.

He urged residents to continue providing useful information that could aid in our efforts against these criminals.

As of the time of filing this report, the abductors had yet to make contact with the families of the victims or issue any demands. (DAILY TRUST)