The Kebbi State Government has confirmed the abduction of the Deputy Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Hon. Samaila Bambu, by suspected gunmen in his hometown, Bagudo, on Friday evening.
The Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Ahmed Idris, confirmed the incident in a brief statement on Friday night. He said the state government had received preliminary information and was awaiting a full security briefing.
“Yes, I just got the information about the alleged abduction of the Deputy Speaker in his hometown this evening,” Idris said. “I am in touch with the Director of Security in the state. Once I get the details of what transpired, I will alert you very soon on the government’s position.”
He assured residents that the government was on top of the situation and that efforts were already underway to ensure the safe return of the lawmaker.
Security sources in Bagudo Local Government Area said the attack occurred shortly after the Deputy Speaker had observed evening prayers at a mosque near his home.
According to eyewitnesses, a group of armed men stormed the town around 7:00 p.m., shooting sporadically to create panic before whisking away the lawmaker to an unknown destination.
“They came in motorcycles and vehicles, shooting into the air,” one resident said. “Everyone ran for safety. It was after the gunfire stopped that we realised the Deputy Speaker had been taken.”
As of Saturday morning, security operatives, including police officers, vigilantes, and soldiers, were said to have begun a manhunt for the kidnappers.
The Kebbi State Police Command has not yet issued an official statement on the incident, but security officials confirmed that a rescue operation was ongoing.
Abductions for ransom have become a recurring security challenge in Northwest Nigeria, with both political figures and ordinary citizens targeted by armed gangs operating across several states, including Kebbi, Zamfara, Sokoto, and Katsina.
Friday’s abduction of the Deputy Speaker adds to growing public concern over the rising wave of kidnappings in the region.
The Kebbi State Government has urged residents to remain calm and cooperate with security agencies as efforts intensify to ensure the safe rescue of Hon. Bambu and to restore peace in the area.
