Bandits Kill State Governor’s Aide in Attack

Armed bandits have killed Nasiru Sani Kaura, a Senior Special Assistant to Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal, during an early morning attack on Kaura Namoda town.

The attack reportedly occurred on Sunday in the low-cost area of the town, when gunmen invaded the neighbourhood while residents were observing the early morning Subh (Fajr) prayers.

Residents said the attackers opened fire, forcing people to flee for safety. Kaura, a politician known for his grassroots connections and role as a community leader, was reportedly shot dead during the invasion.

His death has thrown Kaura Namoda and surrounding communities into mourning. His funeral prayer was subsequently conducted in accordance with Islamic traditions.

The incident has renewed concerns about insecurity in Zamfara North, where communities continue to experience attacks, killings and kidnappings by armed groups. Residents have called on the state government and security agencies to strengthen security operations and improve protection for vulnerable communities.

In a separate development, the Zamfara State Police Command announced the rescue of 19 kidnapped victims, including women and children, after 22 days in captivity.

The victims were reportedly abducted from Tungar Haki Village, through Wanke, in Gusau Local Government Area, and taken to a bandits’ hideout near Kungurmi Village.

According to the police, the victims were rescued on Saturday, November 14, at about 10am during a joint security operation involving the Anti-Kidnapping Unit, Government House police formation, Department of State Services (DSS) personnel and local hunters.

The operation followed intelligence reports on the location where the victims were being held.

The Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Yazid Abubakar, said all 19 victims were rescued without injuries and reunited with their families.

The Commissioner of Police, Ahmad Muhammad Bello, commended the security personnel for their efforts and cooperation, assuring residents that the command would sustain operations against kidnapping and other criminal activities.

He also urged members of the public to provide security agencies with timely and useful information to support efforts to tackle crime across the state.