The Kebbi State Police Command has confirmed the abduction of the Deputy Speaker of the House of Assembly, Alhaji Muhammad Sama’ila-Bagudo, by suspected bandits in Bagudo Local Government Area of the state.
The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), CSP Nafi’u Abubakar, made the disclosure in a statement in Birnin Kebbi on Saturday.
Abubakar said the incident occurred on Friday night about 8:20 p.m., when a gang of armed men stormed Bagudo town and kidnapped the lawmaker shortly after observing Isha’i prayer on his way home.
He said that the command had since deployed a combined team of police tactical unit, military personnel and vigilantes to track down the abductors and ensure safe rescue of the deputy speaker.
“The joint team is currently combing the bandits’ routes and nearby forests with a view to rescuing the lawmaker unhurt and arresting the perpetrators of the dastardly act,” Abubakar said.
He added that the Commissioner of Police in the state, Mr Bello Sani, had reiterated the command’s determination to protect the lives and property of residents across the state.
“The CP has also appealed to members of the public to remain vigilant and continue to support the police and other security agencies to ensure peace and stability in the state,” the PPRO pleaded.
In a related development, the Police Command in Anambra State has begun manhunt for suspected abductors of a medical doctor on Thursday in Uruagu Nnewi, Nnewi North Local Government Area (LGA).
The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) in the state, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, made this known in a statement on Friday in Awka.
Ikenga said that the command seeks public information to rescue the victim and apprehend the perpetrators and bring them to book.
“The Anambra State Police Command has received a report of the abduction of a medical doctor at Uruagu, Nnewi, in Nnewi North LGA of the state.
“Preliminary information reveals that the incident occurred yesterday, October 30, when the unidentified assailants reportedly abducted the victim under yet-to-be-ascertained circumstances.
“Upon receiving the report, the Commissioner of Police, Anambra State Command, Ikioye Orutugu, immediately ordered the launch of an intensive investigation and directed the tactical teams of the Command to ensure the safe rescue of the victim and apprehend the perpetrators,” he said.
The Command assured the public that efforts were being made to ensure the swift resolution of the case.
Orutugu urged residents, especially within Nnewi and its environs to remain calm, vigilant, and supportive of the police by providing credible information that could assist in the investigation.
According to Orutugu, anyone with useful information is encouraged to contact the nearest police station or reach the Command Control Room via 07039194332 or the PPRO through 08039334002 for prompt response.
The Command reiterates its unwavering commitment to the safety and security of all residents and would continue to work tirelessly to ensure that those behind such criminal acts are brought to justice.
