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By Lizzy Chirkpi
The Deputy Speaker of the Kebbi State House of Assembly, Hon. Samaila Muhammad-Bagudu, has regained his freedom days after being abducted by armed bandits along the Bagudo–Koko Road in Kebbi State.
His release was officially confirmed on Sunday by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Alhaji Yakubu Tafida, who described the development as “a huge relief for the government and people of Kebbi State.”
In a statement issued in Birnin Kebbi, Tafida said the Deputy Speaker was rescued through the combined efforts of security agencies, community vigilantes, and local authorities.
“We are grateful to Almighty Allah for the safe rescue of Hon. Samaila Muhammad-Bagudu, Deputy Speaker of the Kebbi State House of Assembly. His freedom was made possible through the tireless efforts of our security forces and the unwavering cooperation of the local communities,” the SSG stated.
He added that the state government worked closely with federal security operatives to ensure the lawmaker’s release without harm.
“Governor Nasir Idris personally monitored the situation and gave clear directives that every lawful measure must be taken to secure his release,” Tafida said. “We commend the gallantry of our security operatives and the resilience of our people who refused to be intimidated by criminal elements.”
The SSG assured residents that the government remains committed to tackling insecurity across the state, noting that efforts have been intensified to dislodge bandit camps operating within border communities.
“The government will not relent until every citizen can travel and sleep peacefully without fear. We are determined to rid Kebbi of banditry and other forms of criminality,” Tafida emphasized.
Hon. Muhammad-Bagudu was reportedly abducted on Thursday evening while returning to Birnin Kebbi from an official assignment in his constituency. Eyewitnesses said the lawmaker’s convoy was intercepted by armed men who opened fire, forcing his security escort to retreat as they overpowered them and whisked him into the nearby forest.
The abduction triggered widespread concern across the state, with lawmakers, traditional rulers, and residents calling for his immediate release. Governor Idris had, on Friday, convened an emergency security meeting, ordering a massive search operation and deployment of additional personnel to the affected axis.
Sources close to the Deputy Speaker’s family confirmed that he was released unharmed and has since reunited with his loved ones in Birnin Kebbi.
The Kebbi State Police Command also confirmed the rescue, assuring that efforts were ongoing to apprehend the perpetrators.
“We are on the trail of the bandits. Some useful intelligence has been gathered, and arrests will follow soon,” said the Command’s spokesperson, SP Nafiu Abubakar.
As the news of his release spread across Kebbi on Sunday morning, messages of gratitude and relief poured in from constituents, colleagues, and political leaders, who hailed the development as a victory against rising insecurity in the North-West region.