Prominent University Director Abducted Again: Bandit Attacks Persist in Zamfara State
Bello Janbako, the director of the Center for Research at the Federal University Gusau in Zamfara State, has once again fallen victim to bandit abduction.
This marks a distressing recurrence of criminal incidents in the state, specifically in Damba Gusau, the state capital, where Janbako was abducted in the early hours of Wednesday.
Details of the Abduction:
Local resident Nasamu Garba provided an account of the incident, revealing that the bandits, armed and intending to instill fear, fired multiple gunshots upon arriving at Bello Janbako’s residence.
Security guards, determined to thwart the kidnapping, engaged in a fierce gunfight with the criminals.
Despite the valiant efforts, the bandits prevailed due to their numerical advantage, successfully abducting Janbako and retreating to the forest.
Concerns Over Security and Safety:
Garba expressed deep concern about the deteriorating security situation in the area, questioning the safety of the region despite its proximity to the Government House Gusau.
The constant onslaught of bandit attacks has created an atmosphere of fear, leading residents to question the overall control of the state.
Pattern of Kidnappings:
The abduction of Bello Janbako follows a disturbing pattern of kidnappings in the region.
Just two days prior, Malam Sabiu, the Director of Finance in the state Ministry of Finance, had also been kidnapped.
The report further mentions the abduction of Surajo Hassan, a financial director, along with his wife and two children, in the same neighborhood last year.
Residents Seeking Safety:
In response to the escalating threat, residents in the affected area are reportedly fleeing to safer locations.
The persistent presence of bandits targeting individuals for ransom has created an environment of insecurity and forced residents to take drastic measures for their safety.
Authorities Unavailable for Comment:
While the state police command’s spokesperson, ASP Yazid Abubakar, was unavailable for comment, attempts to reach Captain Bala Mairiga (retd.), the state commissioner for security, went unanswered.
The lack of official statements raises questions about the responsiveness and strategies in place to address the rising security challenges in Zamfara State.
Conclusion:
The recurrence of abductions, particularly targeting prominent figures, underscores the urgent need for robust security measures and intervention in Zamfara State.
The safety of residents, coupled with effective strategies to combat banditry, must be prioritized to restore a sense of security and stability in the region.
