A Nigerian High Court judge, Faruku Hassan Bunza, who was kidnapped from his home in Bunza town, Kebbi state, has been freed, police confirmed on Monday.
Bunza was abducted on July 26 by unidentified gunmen, a common tactic among criminal groups in Nigeria to extract ransom payments. Despite ransom demands, Kebbi state police maintained a firm stance against paying ransoms.
Bashir Usman, spokesperson for Kebbi police, stated that the judge was released earlier that day, but the kidnappers remain at large as investigations intensify to apprehend them.
Kidnappings and violent raids by bandit gangs continue to plague northwestern Nigeria, including Kebbi and neighboring states, where security presence is limited. These groups often engage in livestock theft, village raids, and arson.
In a related incident, retired army major general Rabe Abubakar and his wife were kidnapped in Katsina state a month earlier, with Abubakar dying in captivity.
The security challenges in Kebbi are compounded by its proximity to Niger, a region experiencing increased jihadist attacks this year.
