In a scene that could rival a movie plot, bandits launched a brazen attack on Wednesday night in the Tsauni community of Gusau, the Zamfara State capital — and yes, it all happened right in front of a police station.
The armed gang swooped in just after Maghrib prayers, catching a small group of unsuspecting locals off guard. Among those kidnapped were two serving councillors and an Imam — all reportedly relaxing at a neighborhood tea spot, minding their business, until trouble rolled in.
According to eyewitness reports, the victims — councillors from Gidan Goga and Tsibiri wards in Maradun LGA — were taken around 8:05 pm near a police outpost that, ironically, is usually manned by officers. The bandits reportedly helped themselves to the officers’ phones before vanishing into the night — no resistance, no injuries, just cold audacity.
Hon. Sanusi Gama Giwa, Chairman of Maradun LGA, confirmed the abductions, noting the attackers had initially come looking for someone from Kaura village. When that plan fell through, they pivoted — grabbing six men from the tea joint. Three were released shortly after. The councillors and the Imam were not so lucky.
Zamfara State Police Command spokesperson, DSP Yazid Abubakar, also confirmed the incident. He says a rescue team is already in motion, and the force is pulling out all the stops to recover the victims and catch those responsible.
“We’re on it,” he assured. “The public should keep sharing any useful info that could help track down the criminals.”
So far, no ransom demands have been made, and the families of the victims remain in the dark.
The attack has rattled nerves across Tsauni, a community that had previously offered shelter to internally displaced people fleeing bandit violence from nearby areas. Now, it seems, the violence has followed them home — a sobering reminder of the growing insecurity in parts of Zamfara State.
