Suspected gunmen have abducted a judge of the Kebbi State High Court, Justice Faruku Bunza, from his residence in Bunza Local Government Area of the state.

The incident occurred before dawn on Sunday and has prompted a coordinated rescue effort by security agencies working to secure the judge’s release.

According to a family source, Justice Bunza had only recently returned to his home from Sokoto State when the armed men stormed his residence along Zogirma Road.

Family Appeals for Swift Rescue

The source said the attackers arrived shortly after the judge got home around midnight and abducted him without injuring other members of the household or nearby residents.

“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 family said the incident was immediately reported to the appropriate authorities, including the management of the Kebbi State High Court.

Expressing concern over the development, the family urged security agencies and the state government to intensify efforts to ensure the judge’s safe return.

“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.

Judiciary, Police Intensify Search

A senior official of the Kebbi State High Court, who requested anonymity, confirmed the abduction and described it as a major setback for the judiciary.

The official said the court’s management had begun consultations with security agencies to coordinate efforts aimed at securing Justice Bunza’s release.

“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 confirmed the incident.

Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bashir Usman, said Commissioner of Police, CP Umar Hadejia, had deployed tactical and intelligence teams immediately after receiving the report.

“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 operatives have launched a coordinated manhunt, searching suspected hideouts and surrounding forest areas in an effort to rescue the judge and apprehend those responsible.

The police assured residents that the command is working closely with other security agencies to secure Justice Bunza’s safe release and bring the perpetrators to justice.

No group had claimed responsibility for the abduction as of the time this report was filed, while investigations remain ongoing.