Bandits kidnap emir in Nigeria’s Zamfara state

By Ibrahim Garba Shuaibu

KANO, Nigeria (AA) - The emir of Bungudu in Nigeria’s Zamfara state was kidnapped late Tuesday, local media reported.

Attackers opened fire on Alhaji Hassan Attahiru’s convoy as it was travelling along the Kaduna-Abuja highway. Several of the vehicles were demobilized and he was taken away.

A police officer was said to have been killed during the exchange of fire.

The emir was the only one abducted, while some of his guards sustained injuries.

Attahiru is the paramount ruler of the Bungudu emirate in Zamfara state in northwestern Nigeria.

On Saturday, at least 12 military officers were feared dead following an attack on a military base in Zamfara.

Bandits attacked a military base in Mutumji, Dansadau district, about 80 kilometers (50 miles) south of the capital Gusau at about 10:30 a.m.

The 12 fatalities comprised nine Nigerian Air Force officers, two police officers and one Nigerian Army soldier.

The attackers also seized weapons from the slain service members and set equipment at the facility ablaze.

There has been no confirmation of the incident from the Nigerian Army or any security agencies.

A source who requested anonymity said all of the slain personnel were evacuated to Yerima Bakura Specialist Hospital in Gusau and the three wounded have been receiving treatment at a brigade medical facility.