Justice Faruku Hassan Bunza of the Kebbi State High Court has been kidnapped by suspected gunmen after they reportedly invaded his residence in Bunza Local Government Area during the early hours of Sunday.
The abduction has prompted an extensive security response, with law enforcement agencies working together to locate and rescue the judge.
According to a family member who spoke with journalists, Justice Bunza had only recently returned to his home from Sokoto State when armed men struck. The attackers reportedly stormed his residence along Zogirma Road shortly after midnight.
The source explained that the assailants made considerable noise during the operation, drawing the attention of nearby residents. Despite the commotion, they managed to take the judge away without injuring anyone else in the house or surrounding neighborhood.
“Justice Faruku Hassan Bunza had just returned from Sokoto. Shortly after he arrived at his residence around midnight, armed men invaded the house and abducted him.
“They were shouting during the operation, attracting the attention of people around, but they left with him before anyone could intervene,” the source said.
The incident was quickly reported to the appropriate authorities, including officials of the Kebbi State High Court.
The judge’s family appealed to both the state government and security agencies to intensify efforts toward securing his freedom. They also called on Nigerians to remember him in their prayers.
“We are deeply worried about the abduction of our brother. We appeal to Nigerians to pray for his safe return and urge security agencies to act swiftly,” the source added.
A senior official of the Kebbi State High Court, who requested anonymity, also confirmed the kidnapping. Describing the development as a serious concern for the judiciary, the official disclosed that the court’s leadership had immediately begun engaging security agencies on the matter.
“It is indeed a painful moment for the judiciary. We have engaged the heads of security agencies in the state to strategise on securing his immediate release,” the official said.
The Kebbi State Police Command also verified the incident. Police spokesperson, SP Bashir Usman, said the Commissioner of Police, CP Umar Hadejia, responded by deploying tactical and intelligence units to track down the kidnappers and rescue the judge.
“I can confirm that Hon. Justice Faruku Hassan Bunza was abducted from his residence in Bunza around midnight.
“Upon receiving the report, the Commissioner of Police immediately deployed tactical and intelligence operatives to ensure his safe rescue,” Usman said.
He added that security personnel had launched an intensive manhunt, searching suspected hideouts and nearby forest areas believed to be possible escape routes for the abductors.
The police assured residents that officers were working alongside other security agencies to ensure Justice Bunza’s safe return while bringing those responsible for the crime to justice.