Gunmen have killed three people, injured five others and abducted an 86-year-old traditional leader, Alhaji Yusuf Nadabo, during an overnight attack on Chiromawa community in Garun Malam Local Government Area of Kano State.
Nadabo, who is the owner of Chiromawa Petroleum Station, also holds the traditional title of Sarkin Noman Kano, associated with the leadership of farmers in the state.
The attackers reportedly stormed his residence at about 11pm on Saturday and opened fire, before taking the elderly community leader away.
The Chairman of Garun Malam Local Government Area, Alhaji Aminu Salisu Kadawa, confirmed the attack to journalists on Sunday, describing it as a serious security incident that had caused fear among residents.
Kadawa said the gunmen attacked Nadabo’s residence and shot at people during the operation, resulting in the deaths of three persons.
Five other victims sustained injuries and were taken to hospital for treatment, he said.
“The injured victims are receiving treatment in hospital, while security personnel have been deployed to track down the attackers and rescue the Sarkin Noma,” the council chairman said.
The chairman did not disclose the identities of those killed or provide further details on the circumstances surrounding the abduction of Nadabo.
He said the injured victims were receiving medical attention and that local government officials had visited them in hospital following the attack.
Kadawa said he personally visited the hospital with other officials to assess the condition of the victims and ensure they received the necessary treatment.
The attack has raised fresh concerns over the safety of residents in communities around Garun Malam, particularly as the incident involved the abduction of a prominent elderly traditional figure.
Nadabo’s position as Sarkin Noman Kano also gives the incident wider significance because of his association with farming communities and his traditional responsibilities.
The attackers were yet to be identified as of the time of filing this report, while no group had claimed responsibility for the assault.
The circumstances surrounding the abduction, including whether the gunmen targeted Nadabo specifically or whether the attack was linked to other criminal activities in the area, remained unclear.
Kadawa said security personnel had been mobilised to track the attackers and locate the abducted traditional leader.
He urged residents of Chiromawa and neighbouring communities to remain calm while security agencies conduct search operations.
The chairman also appealed to members of the public to provide relevant information that could assist security agencies in identifying the attackers and rescuing Nadabo.
He said cooperation between residents and security agencies would be critical to ensuring the safe recovery of the abducted community leader.
“Residents should remain calm and cooperate with security agencies by providing useful information that can assist in rescuing the abducted traditional leader and apprehending the attackers,” he said.
Kadawa also assured residents that the Kano State Government would intensify security measures in the affected area to prevent further attacks.
According to him, authorities would work with security agencies to strengthen surveillance and protect residents from further threats.
The chairman urged residents to remain vigilant, particularly at night, and report suspicious movements or activities to security personnel.
He also appealed to residents to continue praying for the safe return of Nadabo.
The attack comes amid continuing concerns over kidnapping and other forms of violent crime in parts of Kano State, particularly in communities located away from major urban centres.
Although Kano has generally recorded fewer large-scale bandit attacks than some neighbouring states in the Northwest, isolated incidents of kidnapping, armed robbery and attacks on rural communities continue to generate security concerns.
The abduction of an 86-year-old community leader also highlights the vulnerability of elderly and prominent residents in communities where criminal groups can exploit limited security coverage.
The deaths and injuries recorded in Chiromawa have further increased pressure on security agencies to identify the perpetrators and prevent similar attacks.
Residents are expected to assist investigators with information about the movements of the attackers before and after the incident, while security personnel continue efforts to establish their escape route.
Authorities have not disclosed whether any arrests have been made in connection with the attack.
They have also not announced whether the attackers made contact with the family or demanded a ransom for the release of the traditional leader.
The focus of security operations is currently expected to remain on locating Nadabo and apprehending those responsible for the attack.
The safe recovery of the traditional leader is likely to be a major concern for residents, farmers and traditional authorities in Garun Malam and surrounding communities.
Beyond the immediate rescue operation, the incident could prompt calls for stronger security arrangements around vulnerable communities and improved intelligence gathering to detect criminal movements before attacks occur.
Community leaders are also expected to work with security agencies to strengthen local vigilance and ensure that residents promptly report suspicious activities.
The local government administration said it would continue monitoring the situation and support the victims and their families.
The authorities are yet to release further details on the identities of the deceased victims or the extent of injuries sustained by the five survivors.
Further developments are expected as security agencies intensify their search for the abducted traditional leader and investigate the circumstances of the attack.
West Trybe reports that the Chiromawa attack has heightened security concerns in Garun Malam Local Government Area after gunmen killed three people, injured five others and abducted an 86-year-old traditional leader. The incident underscores the need for sustained security operations, stronger community intelligence and rapid response mechanisms to protect rural communities and prevent armed groups from exploiting vulnerable areas across Kano State.
