Kidnapped Kebbi High Court judge recounts ordeal in bandits’ captivity
Kebbi State Judge Describes Abduction Ordeal and Escape
Kebbi State High Court Judge Faruk Hassan Bunza shared details of his recent abduction during a traumatic eight-day ordeal that began at his home. He was taken by armed men to a bandits’ camp, from which he eventually escaped.
The account was reported Tuesday by conflict journalist Bakastine on X, a social media platform. According to the report, Bunza was abducted on July 26 from his residence in Bunza Local Government Area by five armed men. The attackers forced him to trek approximately 25 kilometers barefoot to the Dutsen Bandan camp.
While at the camp, Bunza encountered two other individuals, both Fulani men, who had also been kidnapped. The following day, his captors displayed photographs of him alongside Nura Umar Abdullahi, the Chairman of Bungudu Local Government Area in Zamfara State. The bandits claimed they had received instructions to abduct both men, although they did not disclose the source of those orders.
Bunza noted that the bandits were aware of media coverage surrounding his abduction and indicated that a ransom of N200 million had been discussed for his release. He reported the presence of about 20 bandits in the camp, who interacted with informants from local communities and maintained contact with their families.
Despite their armament, Bunza observed that the bandits remained vigilant. He recalled being warned against coughing, as it might attract unwanted attention.
It is reported that Bunza’s family arranged for a ransom payment of N50 million, which led to the departure of most bandits from the camp, leaving behind two individuals to guard him. During his captivity, he overheard a heated discussion between the remaining guards, one of whom suggested that he should be killed. By approximately 5 p.m. on August 3, Bunza realized he was alone and seized the opportunity to escape. He removed the covering from his face and fled on foot, eventually reaching a nearby village where he found transportation via a commercial motorcycle.
His release, confirmed by the Kebbi State Police Command, his family, and the state Ministry of Justice, allowed him to return to his duties. Bunza affirmed that the experience would not deter him from his judicial responsibilities. “My kidnapping can never deter me from my work. I swear to Almighty Allah, nothing on this earth can change my attitude to work. It will motivate me to double my effort,” he stated.
