Gunmen kill Kano APC chairman, two others in fresh Bebeji attack

Gunmen kill Kano APC chairman, two others in fresh Bebeji attack

Gunmen suspected to be kidnappers have killed the All Progressives Congress (APC) chairman of Rantan Ward in Bebeji Local Government Area of Kano State, Alhaji Garba Buba, in a fresh attack that claimed the lives of two other residents.

The attackers reportedly invaded Rantan community on Sunday night and opened fire on residents, sending people fleeing from their homes in search of safety.

Buba was reportedly shot inside his residence during the attack and was later rushed to a hospital, where he died from the injuries sustained.

Another resident, identified as Sulaiman Zunduma, was reportedly killed at the scene after being shot by the attackers.

A community resident, Hamza Isah Rantan, confirmed the incident in a Facebook post, saying suspected kidnappers invaded the community during the night and attacked residents.

“On Sunday night kidnappers attacked our town, Rantan, where they shot Alhaji Garab Buha, the APC ward chairman in Rantan, who later died in a hospital. They also killed another resident, Sulaiman Zunduma,” he said.

Hamza prayed for the repose of the deceased and the recovery of those who sustained injuries during the attack.

The killing of Buba was also confirmed by Kano State APC spokesperson Auwalu Soja, who described the incident as an assassination.

Soja said the party would issue a formal statement on the killing and provide further details.

A member of Buba’s family, Hafsat Garba Rantan, also confirmed his death, describing him as her paternal uncle.

Initial accounts from residents identified Buba and Zunduma as the two people killed, while another resident, Alhaji Sa’adu, was reported to have sustained gunshot injuries.

However, the Kano State Police Command subsequently confirmed that three people were killed during the attack, indicating that the death toll was higher than the initial community accounts.

The Commissioner of Police in Kano State, Ibrahim Bakori, said the command had commenced an investigation into the attack and was working to identify and apprehend those responsible.

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The police confirmation came amid intensified security operations across Kano State as authorities seek to contain the activities of armed criminal groups in vulnerable communities.

The command said its recent operations had resulted in the arrest of 244 suspects in August, alongside the recovery of weapons and other items linked to criminal activities.

The police said intelligence-led operations, targeted raids, 24-hour patrols and increased engagement with communities had helped improve security in several parts of Kano.

However, the latest attack in Bebeji has raised fresh concerns about the security of residents in rural communities, particularly at night when armed groups can exploit limited security presence.

The Rantan attack occurred less than 24 hours after suspected bandits invaded Chiromawa community in Garun Malam Local Government Area, where they abducted Alhaji Yusuf Nadabo Chiromawa, the Sarkin Noman Kano.

The incident occurred at about 11:30 p.m. on Saturday, according to the police, after the attackers invaded the community and opened fire.

Several residents were shot during the attack, with the police identifying three injured victims as Yusif Nasiru, Salisu Garba and Ibrahim Hassan, all aged 20.

The police said tactical teams and personnel from neighbouring divisions were immediately mobilised after receiving a distress call.

Security operatives, working alongside members of the local community, subsequently launched a pursuit of the attackers.

The pressure reportedly forced the gunmen to abandon Nadabo, who was rescued unharmed.

The rescue came as a relief to residents but did little to ease concerns over the ability of armed groups to launch attacks and abduct residents in communities around the state.

The two incidents within a short period have renewed concerns about banditry, kidnapping and armed attacks in Kano State, particularly in communities close to areas where criminal groups operate.

The killing of Buba has also attracted political attention because he was an APC ward chairman and a grassroots party leader in Bebeji.

His death comes as political activities begin to gather momentum ahead of the 2027 general election, although security authorities have not linked the killing to political rivalry or established a political motive.

The police have continued to describe the attackers as suspected kidnappers or gunmen while investigations into the incident continue.

Authorities are expected to intensify efforts to track the perpetrators and prevent further attacks in Bebeji and neighbouring communities.

Residents have also called for stronger security measures, improved intelligence gathering and quicker response to distress calls to protect vulnerable communities.

The latest incident has once again highlighted the security challenges facing parts of northern Nigeria, where communities continue to demand sustained action against kidnapping and banditry.

For now, the Kano State Police Command says its investigation into the Rantan attack is ongoing, with efforts focused on identifying and apprehending those responsible for the killings.

The death of Garba Buba, a serving APC ward chairman, and the other victims has further heightened calls for stronger security measures to protect residents across Kano’s rural communities.

Gunmen kill Kano APC chairman, two others in fresh Bebeji attack