Bandits have once again targeted a prominent figure, Bello Janbako, the director of the Centre for Research at the Federal University Gusau in Zamfara State. Janbako, who also serves as a senior lecturer in the university’s Department of Islamic Studies, was abducted from his residence in Damba Gusau, the state capital, on Wednesday.
According to Nasamu Garba, a resident of the area, the bandits forcibly entered Janbako’s residence around 2 a.m. on Wednesday, prompting security personnel to engage them in a gun battle in an attempt to thwart the abduction.
Garba reported, “When the bandits arrived at Bello Janbako’s residence, they discharged several gunshots to instill fear among the residents. Subsequently, they broke into the house and seized him. Security personnel, responding to a rescue mission, confronted the bandits in a fierce firefight.”
He continued, “Regrettably, the bandits overwhelmed the security forces due to their numerical advantage, escaping to the forest with Bello Janbako.”
Expressing concern for the deteriorating security situation, Garba stated, “This area, part of Gusau town, the state capital, is no longer safe. Despite its proximity to the Government House Gusau, bandits have been attacking and abducting numerous people in this area.”
Recent incidents include the abduction of Malam Sabiu, a Director of Finance in the state Ministry of Finance, just two days ago. Last year, the wife and two children of another finance director, Surajo Hassan, residing in the area, were also kidnapped.
Faced with constant threats, residents of the Damba area are fleeing to seek safety elsewhere. Bandits continue to roam the area, targeting individuals for ransom.
Attempts to reach the spokesperson of the state police command, ASP Yazid Abubakar, for comment were unsuccessful. Furthermore, calls to the state Commissioner for Security, Captain Bala Mairiga (retd.), went unanswered.
