By IBRAHIMG AHMAD

The Theatre Command of Operation Fansan Yamma (OPFY) on Saturday confirmed that bandits have abducted the Chairman of Bungudu Local Government Area of Zamfara, Alhaji Nura Abdullahi following attack on his residence.

OPFY made the confirmation in a statement on Saturday, by its Media Officer, Lt-Col. Aliyu Danja, in Gusau.

Danja revealed that four persons including two police personnel, the chairman-s security detail and a vigilante were killed during the incident.

According to him, in the early hours of Saturday (today), armed terrorists attacked the residence of the Executive Chairman of Bungudu Local Government Area, Nura Abdullahi, abducting him and members of his family after overpowering his police and vigilante detail.

“On hearing gunshots, troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA responded immediately and swiftly moved to the scene where they engaged in hot pursuit of the terrorists leading to a fierce exchange of fire.

“Troops’ prompt intervention forced the terrorists to abandon five of the chairman’s family members comprising two of his children, mother, wife and his relative, who were successfully rescued.

“However, the terrorists narrowly escaped into surrounding bushes with the chairman, while the attack claimed the lives of his security detail, two policemen and one local vigilante who gallantly resisted the attackers.

“Also, a civilian was killed while the chairman’s elder brother, Alhaji Bello Umar was injured during the attack.

He added that following the attack, the theatre command activated a coordinated search and rescue operation involving troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA, the Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Services (DSS) and local vigilante.

“Security forces are currently conducting deliberate operations at the suspected location of the terrorists, aimed at safely rescuing the abducted chairman.

“The theatre command has deployed all available resources in the ongoing operation and remains in close coordination with participating security agencies.

“The theatre command assures the government and people of Zamfara that every lawful and operational measure is being taken to achieve a successful outcome.

“The command appeals to members of the public to remain calm, continue with their lawful activities and provide credible information through established security channels that may assist the ongoing operation.

“The theatre remains resolute in its mandate to protect lives and property and will continue working with sister security agencies until the abducted chairman is safely reunited with his family and the perpetrators brought to justice,” he said. (NAN)

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