Bandit kidnap High Court judge

 A High Court judge in Kebbi State, Justice Faruk Hassan Bunza, has reportedly been abducted by bandits. The incident comes just a day after the reported kidnapping of a local government chairman in neighbouring Zamfara State.

The incident raises serious concerns about the changing nature of insecurity in northwestern Nigeria. For years, armed groups have primarily targeted rural communities, travellers and traditional leaders. The reported abduction of a senior judicial officer suggests that even high-ranking public officials may no longer be beyond their reach.

Whether this reflects a deliberate shift in strategy or an isolated incident, it is likely to intensify questions about intelligence gathering, protective security for public officials and the state's ability to deter increasingly audacious attacks.

If a High Court judge can reportedly be kidnapped, who is truly safe and what immediate steps should authorities take to restore public confidence and stay ahead of this evolving threat?