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Awka Anambra State
In a disturbing escalation of insecurity in Northern Nigeria, gunmen have abducted the Deputy Speaker of the Kebbi State House of Assembly, Hon. Mohammed Usman Bagudu, during a late-night raid that has sent shockwaves across the state and the country at large.
The kidnapping, which occurred in the early hours of Thursday, has once again exposed the deepening insecurity plaguing Nigeria’s northern region, where cases of kidnapping for ransom, banditry, and terrorism continue to rise despite government assurances of safety and ongoing security operations.
How the Abduction Happened
According to eyewitnesses and security sources, the heavily armed attackers stormed Bagudu’s residence in Bagudo town, the headquarters of Bagudo Local Government Area, at around midnight. The gunmen, numbering about ten, reportedly arrived on motorcycles and began shooting sporadically to scare residents before gaining access to the compound.
Sources revealed that the assailants overpowered the local vigilante group and whisked away the Deputy Speaker to an undisclosed location. His security detail was said to have been caught off guard by the speed and intensity of the attack.
A family member, who spoke under anonymity, confirmed the incident, saying:
“The attackers came in the dead of night, shooting into the air. Everyone ran for cover. Before we could understand what was happening, they had taken the Honorable away. We are all in shock.”
Security Agencies Launch Manhunt
In response to the abduction, the Kebbi State Police Command and other security agencies have launched an intensive search and rescue operation aimed at locating and freeing the kidnapped lawmaker.
Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), SP Nafiu Abubakar, confirmed the incident to journalists, assuring the public that efforts were underway to ensure the safe return of the Deputy Speaker.
“Yes, we can confirm that the Deputy Speaker, Rt. Hon. Mohammed Usman Bagudu, was abducted by armed men last night. Security operatives, including police, army, and vigilante groups, have been deployed to track down the kidnappers and rescue the victim,” Abubakar said.
He urged members of the public to remain calm and cooperate with security forces by providing useful information that could aid the rescue mission.
Widespread Reactions and Fear in Kebbi
The abduction has triggered widespread panic and condemnation across Kebbi State and beyond. Lawmakers, political leaders, and residents have described the incident as an attack on democracy and a threat to the safety of public officials.
The Speaker of the Kebbi State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Muhammed Usman Ankwe, expressed deep concern over his deputy’s abduction, calling on security agencies to act swiftly and ensure his immediate release.
“This is not only a personal loss but an attack on the entire state legislature. We urge all security forces to intensify efforts and bring our colleague back safely,” the Speaker said in a statement.
Similarly, the Kebbi State Governor, Dr. Nasir Idris, condemned the abduction in strong terms and vowed that his administration would not rest until the perpetrators are brought to justice.
“We are working closely with the police, army, and DSS to ensure the safe rescue of the Deputy Speaker. This cowardly act will not go unpunished,” Governor Idris declared.
Rising Wave of Insecurity in the North-West
The abduction of the Kebbi Deputy Speaker comes amid a worrying surge in violent crimes and kidnappings across Nigeria’s North-West region, where criminal gangs continue to operate with alarming boldness.
States such as Zamfara, Sokoto, Katsina, Kaduna, and Kebbi have become hotspots for bandit attacks, with rural communities, travelers, and even government officials frequently targeted.
Observers note that despite repeated military operations and the establishment of security task forces, armed groups remain active in forested areas along the borders of these states.
Security analysts have linked the persistence of banditry to poor intelligence coordination, limited security infrastructure, and the increasing use of ransom payments by families and government officials, which often embolden the kidnappers.
Public Outcry Over Safety of Political Leaders
The abduction of a high-ranking state lawmaker has renewed debates over the safety of political leaders and the broader failure of security systems in Nigeria.
Citizens and civil society groups have taken to various platforms to question how armed men could successfully kidnap a senior government official without immediate resistance.
The Kebbi State Civil Society Network issued a statement condemning the abduction and calling for urgent security reforms.
“If a Deputy Speaker with police protection can be abducted, what hope do ordinary citizens have? This is a national embarrassment that requires a decisive response,” the group said.
Family and Community in Distress
Meanwhile, family members of the abducted Deputy Speaker remain in distress as they await news of his whereabouts. Community members have reportedly been holding prayer sessions, seeking divine intervention for his safe return.
A resident of Bagudo told reporters:
“The entire community is in mourning. We are praying for his safety. He is a kind-hearted man who always supports his people. This tragedy has thrown everyone into fear.”
So far, the kidnappers have not made contact with the family or demanded ransom, according to police sources.
Government Promises Swift Action
The federal government has also been briefed on the situation. Sources within the Ministry of Interior and the Department of State Services (DSS) confirmed that federal intelligence units are assisting in tracking the perpetrators, especially given the prominence of the victim.
National security observers argue that this abduction should serve as a wake-up call to strengthen both intelligence gathering and rapid response mechanisms in all regions of the country.
A retired army officer, Col. Hassan Yusuf (rtd), noted that the abduction of a top government official highlights how emboldened criminal elements have become.
“This is not just a state security issue it’s a national security failure. We need coordinated efforts, better surveillance technology, and actionable intelligence to stop this wave of abductions,” he said.
Conclusion
The abduction of Kebbi State Deputy Speaker Mohammed Usman Bagudu is a grim reminder that insecurity remains one of Nigeria’s most pressing challenges.
As rescue operations continue, the incident underscores the urgent need for the government to strengthen security architecture, improve intelligence networks, and restore citizens’ confidence in the system.
Until Hon. Bagudu is rescued and the perpetrators brought to justice, many Nigerians will continue to question whether any public official or indeed any citizen is truly safe in the country today.
