Gunmen have killed the All Progressives Congress chairman of Rantan Ward in Bebeji Local Government Area of Kano State, Alhaji Garba Buba, and another resident, Sulaiman Zunduma, in a fresh attack that has heightened security concerns in the area.
The attackers reportedly stormed Rantan community on Sunday night and opened fire on residents, sending many fleeing their homes for safety.
Buba, who was the APC chairman of Rantan Ward, was shot inside his residence during the attack and later died in hospital, while Zunduma was reportedly killed instantly after being shot by the gunmen.
A resident of the community, Hamza Isah Rantan, confirmed the attack in a Facebook post, saying the gunmen invaded the town at night and targeted 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. We pray that Almighty Allah forgives his shortcomings and heals the injured,” Hamza wrote.
The attack has left residents of Rantan concerned over their safety, with many reportedly forced to seek refuge in safer locations following the shooting.
The motive for the attack was not immediately clear, while the identities and number of the attackers remained unknown as of the time of filing this report.
The development was also confirmed by the Kano State APC spokesperson, Auwalu Soja, who acknowledged the killing of the party’s ward chairman.
Soja said the party was aware of the incident but indicated that an official statement would be issued regarding the killing.
The Kano State Police Command had yet to publicly comment on the attack as of the time of filing this report.
It was therefore unclear whether security personnel had been deployed to Rantan following the incident or whether any suspects had been arrested.
The killing occurred against the backdrop of growing security concerns in parts of Kano State following a series of attacks and abductions involving armed men.
The latest incident also came less than 24 hours after suspected bandits invaded Chiromawa community in Garun Mallam Local Government Area, where they abducted the 86-year-old Sarkin Noman Kano, Alhaji Yusuf Nadabo Chiromawa.
Nadabo, who is also the owner of Chiromawa Petroleum Station, was abducted during the late-night attack after the gunmen reportedly opened fire in the community.
The traditional leader was, however, rescued unhurt after security operatives, supported by members of the community, pursued the attackers.
According to the police, the attackers abandoned Nadabo and fled after security personnel mounted a hot pursuit.
Three other residents were shot and injured during the Garun Mallam attack.
The victims were identified as Yusif Nasiru, 20; Salisu Garba, 20; and Ibrahim Hassan, 20.
They were subsequently evacuated to the Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital for medical treatment.
The police said the attack in Garun Mallam was reported at about 11:30pm on Saturday, prompting the mobilisation of tactical and patrol teams from the Kano State Police Command.
Personnel from neighbouring police divisions were also reportedly deployed to reinforce the operation.
The command subsequently established confidence-building patrols in and around Garun Mallam Town and launched a manhunt for the attackers who escaped after abandoning Nadabo.
The successive incidents have raised fresh questions about the security of communities in parts of Kano, particularly as armed attacks are increasingly creating fear among residents.
Rantan and Chiromawa are among communities where residents rely heavily on farming, trading and other local economic activities, making security a major concern for households and businesses.
The killing of an APC ward chairman also gives the Rantan attack a political dimension, although there was no immediate indication that Buba was targeted because of his political position.
The circumstances surrounding the killing will likely form part of any investigation by security agencies once an official response is issued.
Community members are also expected to provide information that could assist investigators in identifying the attackers and determining their escape routes.
The latest attack comes at a time when security agencies across the Northwest are intensifying efforts against kidnapping, banditry and other forms of violent crime.
Criminal groups operating in the region have frequently exploited remote communities, difficult terrain and gaps in security coverage to attack residents and escape before security personnel arrive.
Residents of Bebeji have therefore called for stronger security presence in vulnerable communities and faster response to distress calls.
The killing of Buba and Zunduma has also heightened concerns among residents who fear that failure to arrest the perpetrators could encourage further attacks.
The absence of an immediate police statement has left several details surrounding the incident unclear, including the exact number of attackers, the weapons used and whether other residents sustained injuries.
It also remains unclear whether the attackers were specifically targeting the APC chairman or whether his killing occurred during a wider assault on the community.
The Kano State APC leadership is expected to provide further details in its promised statement on the incident.
Meanwhile, residents are being urged to remain vigilant and cooperate with security agencies by reporting suspicious movements and activities within their communities.
Security agencies are also expected to investigate possible links between the Rantan attack and other recent incidents recorded in nearby parts of Kano State.
The two attacks within a short period have particularly raised concerns about the ability of criminal groups to move between communities and operate at night.
For residents, the priority is now the restoration of confidence and the deployment of adequate security personnel to vulnerable areas.
The government and security agencies will also face pressure to ensure that communities affected by recent attacks do not become further exposed to criminal groups.
The killing of a serving APC ward chairman is likely to attract wider political attention, particularly as political activities gradually intensify ahead of the 2027 general elections.
However, no political motive has been established in connection with the attack.
The immediate challenge remains the identification and arrest of those responsible for the deaths of Buba and Zunduma.
The police are yet to announce any arrest or recovery of weapons linked to the attack.
West Trybe reports that the killing of the Rantan Ward APC chairman and another resident came less than a day after an attack in neighbouring Garun Mallam that resulted in the abduction and subsequent rescue of the Sarkin Noman Kano. The successive incidents have intensified calls for stronger security operations, improved intelligence gathering and faster response mechanisms to protect communities across Kano State.
