Bandits Kill Kebbi Businessman, Abduct Pregnant Wife in Early Morning Raid
In a tragic incident that has heightened security concerns in Kebbi State, armed bandits have killed a 35-year-old businessman, Sufiyanu Garba, and abducted his pregnant wife, Zainab. The attack occurred in the Badariya area of Birnin Kebbi metropolis during the early hours of Friday, March 13, 2026.
Details of the Deadly Incident
The gunmen forced their way into the couple's residence, shooting Sufiyanu dead before taking Zainab to an unknown location. Shehu Mohammed Yauri, the elder brother of the abducted woman, confirmed the harrowing event, stating that his sister was seized after her husband was killed. The state police Public Relations Officer, Bashir Usman, reported that police detectives have visited the scene and initiated a thorough investigation into the matter.
Usman noted that a police checkpoint is situated near where the incident took place, emphasizing that residents could have alerted authorities for a prompt response. Sufiyanu was rushed to Sir Yahaya Memorial Hospital, where a medical doctor pronounced him dead. His remains have been deposited at the hospital mortuary.
Police Response and Investigation
The Commissioner of Police, CP Umar Mohammed Hadejia, has directed the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) to take over the case. The SCID has been tasked with conducting a comprehensive inquiry aimed at rescuing the abducted woman and bringing the perpetrators to justice. This move underscores the urgency of addressing the escalating banditry in the region.
Context of Rising Security Challenges
This incident is part of a broader pattern of violence in Nigeria. In a related development, gunmen recently kidnapped Joseph Kayode and Esther Akinlolu in the Akoko North-West area of Ondo State, with police conducting search and rescue operations. Additionally, suspected bandits attacked a wedding convoy in Katsina State, killing two guests and injuring several others, leading to ongoing searches for kidnapped individuals.
The repeated attacks highlight persistent security vulnerabilities, with families and communities grappling with fear and uncertainty. Authorities continue to urge public cooperation in reporting suspicious activities to enhance safety measures.
