Four Abducted, One Killed In Bauchi Attacks – Ex-Lawmaker

A former member of the Bauchi State House of Assembly, Maryam Bagel, has raised the alarm over a fresh wave of kidnappings in Dass Local Government Area of the state, alleging that four persons were abducted and one killed in separate attacks within two weeks.

Bagel, a House of Representatives aspirant, made the allegation in a Facebook post on Wednesday, expressing concern over what she described as the worsening security situation in Kagadama and Bagel communities.

According to her, the first victim was a chemist shop owner in Kagadama village, who was abducted by suspected kidnappers.

She alleged that the abductors demanded ₦50 million for his release, describing the amount as unaffordable for a village chemist.

Bagel further alleged that less than a week later, the gunmen returned and attempted to abduct a resident identified as Shahibi, who had reportedly been kidnapped about a year ago.

She said Shahibi resisted the attack, insisting he would rather die than suffer another kidnapping ordeal. According to her, the assailants shot him multiple times in the presence of his wife and children, leading to his death.

She also alleged that the attackers returned to Kagadama on Tuesday in another attempt to abduct a shop owner. The intended victim reportedly escaped after the gunmen fired several shots.

However, Bagel said the gunmen abducted three other residents, including a 10-year-old boy who was at the shop, a young man who had just returned from the hospital and another resident.

Calling for urgent action, Bagel appealed to security agencies and the Bauchi State Government to take decisive steps to prevent a resurgence of kidnapping in Dass Local Government Area.

Bagel said, “We call on the security agencies and the relevant authorities to do everything within their powers to ensure that Dass Local Government does not fall into the hands of criminals again.

“May our dear state never experience again the wave of kidnappings that once plagued it.”

Police Begin Rescue Operation

According to Daily Post, the spokesperson for the Bauchi State Police Command, SP Nafiu Abubakar, said security operatives had launched an operation to rescue the abducted victims and arrest those behind the attacks.

He said, “Our men are aware of the situation and are on top of it. Protecting lives and property is our constitutional responsibility, and we will not allow criminal elements to disrupt the peace that Bauchi State is known for.”

Abubakar disclosed that the command had deployed operatives from the Violent Crime Reduction Unit and the Anti-Kidnapping Unit, alongside local hunters and vigilantes, to the affected communities.

He said the combined security team was conducting search-and-rescue operations to secure the victims’ release and bring the suspects to justice.