Bandits Kill 3, Abduct Others In Zurmi Emir’s Palace Attack

Bandits have killed three people and abducted some residents in an attack on the Emir of Zurmi, Alhaji Bello Muhammad Bunu’s Palace, in Zamfara State.

Accounts of the incident by some locals indicated said the bandits, who stormed the town around 10 pm on Wednesday, also attacked the residence of former Military Administrator of Nasarawa State, Colonel Bala Muhammad Mande (rtd).

It was reliably gathered that Emir Bunu was in the palace when the bandits came knocking while Col. Mande, who served under Chief Olusegun Obasanjo’s administration as the Minister of Environment was said to be out of town.

Reports said that arriving in the town, the bandits stormed the Emir’s place, opening fire at the gate to gain entrance even as they also destroyed a GSM mast and burnt two generating sets located adjacent to the emir’s palace

According to one of the eyewitnesses, who did not want his name in print; “What saved the situation was the fact that the gate was locked, otherwise the bandits would have easily gained access to the Palace and probably reached the Emir’s apartment”, adding; “From all indications, he, the Emir, was the main target given that some time ago he was also the target of an attempted abduction.

“He just returned to the town on Monday after the first attempt to kidnap him failed. The emir was silently moved to the state capital, Gusau, where he spent a week there”.

Reports further indicated that after their failed attempt to access the Palace, the bandits moved to the residence of the former Military Administrator where several shots fired damaged the gate

A competent source further narrated thus; “On their way out of the town, they killed three people and abducted some others. We don’t know the number of people abducted because when the bandits started the shooting, residents ran into the bush for safety. No one dared stay back when the bandits were firing shots.

“The magnitude of the gunshots was scary, hence, we all ran into the bush for our dear lives. We are calling on the government to provide enough soldiers to the town because the bandits may return since they know the Emir is in town. All they want is to abduct him and we don’t know why they are so desperate to have him kidnapped”.

Residents Talk Relocation To Gusau
Recalling the trauma they have been going through because of the incessant attacks, another resident, Muhammad Inuwa said many residents of the town like him are planning to relocate their families to Gusau as they can no longer endure going through the emotional and psychological trauma inflicted on them by constant armed bandits’ attacks.

He lamented thus; “I am tired…We are struggling to cope with the economic situation and at the same time battling with banditry. The burden is too much for us to shoulder. I cannot bear it anymore. I am contemplating relocating my family to Gusau. At least, if they are in the state capital I can have peace of mind and concentrate on my menial job”.

However, Inuwa, who is a father of six, pleaded with both the Federal and State governments to come to their aid by providing them with adequate security that would protect their lives and properties against all criminal attacks.

Police Confirm Attack, Deny Knowledge Of Killing
The Commissioner of Police in Zamfara, Muhammad Shehu Dalijan, while confirming the attack, said the Command was not aware of any casualty, but acknowledged that one staff in the Emir’s palace was abducted by the bandits.

CP Dalijan told reporters; “He was not abducted in the palace as being speculated. Rather, he was abducted somewhere within the town”, adding; I can only confirm the abduction of one person and the burning of the GSM service mast”.

However, reliable sources hinted that during the attack, three people, Sarkin Gida of Zurmi Emirate, Alhaji Yusuf Buhari; a local tea seller whose shop is close to the palace; and one other person were abducted by the invaders.

Emir Bunu Remains Bandits’ Target – Residents
This is even as one close relation of the abducted persons told reporters that; “Sarkin Gida was not so lucky. He was coming out from the Palace when the bandits started firing at the gate. So, when he started running, the bandits shouted at him and asked him to stop.

“They warned him that even if he entered his house, they would follow him inside and abduct him. So, he stopped and they kidnapped him along with the tea seller and one other person”.

A source said though the bandits failed in their attempt to enter the Palace, they looted all the properties in the Emir’s family house located adjacent to the palace, noting also that the incident has no doubt caused panic and shaken the entire members of the royal family.

“Our concern is the safety of the emir. It appears this time around the bandits wanted to embarrass the entire traditional institution. We will continue praying against them. Though we have not received additional security operatives, the personnel of the state-owned Community Protection Guard (CPG) and members of the vigilante group have been mobilised to the Palace to protect the Emir.” – With additional reports from Daily Trust