Suspected bandits have abducted the All Progressives Congress (APC) chairman of Rogo Local Government Area of Kano State, Abdullahi Fanka Beli, during an overnight attack on Beli community.
The attack reportedly occurred at about 1am on Tuesday when the gunmen invaded the community and opened fire before advancing to the APC chairman’s residence.
According to reports circulating online, the attackers forced their way into Beli’s residence, abducted him and subsequently fled the community.
The operation reportedly triggered panic among residents, with gunshots heard as the attackers moved through the community.
A resident was reportedly killed during the attack, while several others sustained gunshot injuries.
The exact casualty figures, however, could not be independently verified as of the time of filing this report.
Beli is reportedly a close associate of the Speaker of the Kano State House of Assembly, Jibril Ismail Falgore, who is also from Rogo Local Government Area.
His abduction comes amid growing security concerns across rural communities in Kano State, with the latest incident marking the third reported attack involving suspected bandits in different communities within three days.
On Sunday, gunmen reportedly attacked Chiromawa community in Garun Malam Local Government Area of the state.
Three people were reportedly killed during the attack, while an elderly resident was abducted. The victim, however, later managed to escape from captivity.
On Monday night, another attack was reported in Rantan community in Bebeji Local Government Area, where two residents, including the APC ward chairman, Garba Buba, were reportedly killed.
The succession of attacks has heightened fears among residents of rural communities in the affected local government areas, with many calling on the government and security agencies to intensify efforts to protect vulnerable communities.
Residents have also urged security agencies to strengthen intelligence gathering, increase patrols and respond more swiftly to reports of attacks to prevent further loss of lives and abductions.
The latest incident is particularly significant given Beli’s political position and reported association with the Speaker of the Kano State House of Assembly.
His abduction has therefore raised additional concerns about the security of political and community leaders in rural parts of the state.
As of the time of filing this report, the Kano State Police Command had not issued an official statement confirming the reported attack, the abduction of Beli or the reported casualties.
Other security agencies had also not publicly provided details of any operation to rescue the abducted APC chairman.
Chronicles Reporters could not independently verify the casualty figures or other details circulating about the attack.
Further developments are expected as security agencies investigate the incident and efforts are reportedly made to locate and rescue the abducted APC chairman.