Police, soldiers search for abducted Emir

Hundreds of detectives and soldiers have been deployed to all the nooks and crannies of Zamfara State to rescue the abducted Emir of Bukkuyum, Alhaji Muhammadu Usman.
The 60-year-old monarch, who ascended the throne 14 years ago, was abducted on Friday night, while preparing for his Isha’i prayer, in a commando-style operation.
The abductors arrived in an ash-coloured Honda Civic car, fired gunshots and tied the palace guards.
They also collected the cell phones of the guards and those waiting to see the Emir before taking him away to an unknown destination.
The state Police Public Relations Officer, Sanusi Aminu, a Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP), who confirmed the abduction, assured that the kidnappers would be apprehended.
“We have spread our dragnet and the Emir would be rescued. We have blocked all possible outlets from the state in order to arrest the abductors. Although we do not know their motive, the action is criminal and we shall arrest them and they will face the full wrath of the law,” he said.
Zamfara State Information Commissioner, Alhaji Ibrahim Birnin-Magaji, said the government would give all required assistance to security agents to rescue the Emir.
Secretary to the Bukkuyum Emirate Council and younger brother of the abducted monarch, Alhaji Aliyu Muhammad, told security agents he spoke with the Emir on phone.
“I spoke with him when they (abductors) called. He said he was in good health and that he had not been hurt by his abductors”.