Suspected bandits have abducted a Kebbi State High Court judge, Justice Faruku Hassan Bunza, after attacking his residence in the early hours of Sunday, adding to growing concerns over insecurity in northwestern Nigeria.
The judge was reportedly kidnapped around midnight from his home along Zogirma Road in Bunza Local Government Area, shortly after returning from a trip to Sokoto State. According to sources, the gunmen stormed the residence, fired sporadically to scare residents and whisked him away. Other members of his household were not harmed during the attack.
Confirming the incident, the Kebbi State Police Command said tactical and intelligence teams had been deployed immediately after receiving the report. Police spokesperson SP Bashir Usman said officers are combing forests and other suspected hideouts in an effort to rescue the judge safely and apprehend those responsible.
A senior official of the Kebbi State High Court described the abduction as a disturbing development for the judiciary. The court’s management has reportedly begun consultations with security agencies to coordinate efforts aimed at securing Justice Bunza’s immediate release.
As of Monday morning, no group has claimed responsibility for the kidnapping, and there have been no publicly known ransom demands. Authorities say investigations are ongoing while security operations continue across the area.
The incident comes amid a fresh wave of kidnappings and bandit attacks across parts of Nigeria’s northwest. Security experts have repeatedly warned that criminal groups are increasingly targeting prominent individuals, including government officials, traditional rulers and judicial officers, in search of leverage or ransom payments.
The abduction of a serving High Court judge has further highlighted the security challenges facing the region and renewed calls for stronger measures to protect public officials and vulnerable communities.
