The kidnappers holding Kebbi State High Court Judge, Justice Faruku Hassan Bunza, have reportedly demanded ₦200 million as ransom, days after abducting him from his residence in Bunza Local Government Area of the state.
The development was disclosed on Tuesday by security analyst and conflict reporter Bakatsine, who said the ransom demand underscores the growing boldness of criminal groups operating across Nigeria’s North-West.
According to him, the abduction of a serving judge marks a disturbing escalation in the activities of bandits, as attacks are no longer limited to rural dwellers, farmers, travellers and traditional rulers but are now extending to key government officials.
He warned that the incident highlights the increasing vulnerability of public office holders and called on security agencies to intensify efforts to stem the wave of insecurity in the region.
Justice Bunza was kidnapped during a late-night attack on his home along Zogirma Road in Bunza after returning from a trip to Sokoto State.
Witnesses said heavily armed gunmen invaded the residence around midnight, fired several shots into the air and forcefully took the judge away. No member of his family was injured during the attack.
Confirming the incident, the spokesperson for the Kebbi State Police Command, SP Bashir Usman, said the judge was abducted from his residence at about midnight.
He disclosed that the Commissioner of Police, CP Umar Muhammad Hadejia, had mobilised tactical and intelligence teams to track the kidnappers and ensure the judge’s safe rescue.
Usman added that security operatives are conducting coordinated operations, including searches of suspected forest hideouts, in a bid to rescue the judge unharmed and bring the perpetrators to justice.
Meanwhile, a senior official of the Kebbi State High Court described the incident as a serious setback for the judiciary, expressing concern over the safety of judicial officers in the discharge of their duties.
