By George Omagbemi
After spending 61 days in the hands of bandits, the Chairman of Bungudu Local Government Area of Zamfara State, Nura Abdullahi, has regained his freedom, bringing an end to a prolonged captivity that began with a deadly attack on his residence.
Abdullahi was abducted on July 25, 2026, when armed men attacked his residence in Bungudu town. The assault reportedly resulted in the deaths of security personnel attached to him, while his elder brother, Bello Abdullahi, was shot and later died from his injuries.
The chairman was taken into the bush by the attackers while members of his family who were initially abducted were later rescued. Other individuals were also reportedly taken during the incident.
His eventual release was confirmed on Thursday, September 24, by the Zamfara State Police Command. Police spokesperson DSP Yazid Abubakar said Abdullahi was released alongside other victims abducted during the same attack.
Abdullahi is currently receiving medical attention in Gusau, the Zamfara State capital.
However, important details surrounding the release remain unclear. Authorities have not officially disclosed whether a ransom was paid or whether security operations played a decisive role in securing the victims’ freedom.
Unconfirmed reports have claimed that a ransom demand was involved, but there is no official confirmation of any payment.
The chairman’s release has therefore brought relief to his family and residents of Bungudu, while also renewing questions about the security challenges confronting communities in Zamfara.
For 61 days, the fate of a serving local government chairman remained uncertain after armed men demonstrated their ability to penetrate his residence and escape with him.
His freedom may bring an immediate sense of relief, but the attack has left behind unanswered questions over the identities of the attackers, the security failures surrounding the incident and the measures required to prevent another abduction
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