By Samson Ike, Abuja

Alhaji Bello Umar Abdullahi, the elder brother of the abducted Chairman of Bungudu Local Government Area of Zamfara State, Hon. Nura Umar Abdullahi, has died from gunshot wounds sustained while attempting to rescue his younger brother during a bandit attack on the chairman’s residence.

Family sources said Bello Umar Abdullahi passed away at a hospital in Kaduna, where he had been receiving treatment following the attack.

According to the sources, he was among the first people to respond when armed bandits invaded the chairman’s residence and abducted Hon. Nura Umar Abdullahi, who remains in captivity.

The deceased reportedly confronted the attackers in an effort to prevent the abduction but was shot multiple times during the encounter. Sources said he suffered severe gunshot wounds to both thighs, while another bullet grazed his chest.

Despite receiving emergency medical care, he later succumbed to his injuries.

His death has deepened the anguish of the family, which is simultaneously mourning his loss and hoping for the safe return of the abducted council chairman.

Family members described the development as a devastating blow, noting that Bello Umar Abdullahi paid the ultimate price while trying to protect his younger brother from the attackers.

Prayers have continued to pour in from relatives, friends and residents of Bungudu, who expressed sympathy to the bereaved family and called for the safe release of the chairman.

The incident has once again drawn attention to the worsening security situation in Zamfara State, where armed banditry, kidnappings and deadly attacks on communities remain major challenges despite ongoing military and security operations.

Residents have repeatedly urged authorities to strengthen security measures and intensify efforts to dismantle criminal networks operating across the state.

As of the time of filing this report, there was no official update on the whereabouts or condition of Hon. Nura Umar Abdullahi.

The attack occurred on July 25, 2026, when suspected bandits stormed the residence of the Bungudu Local Government chairman and abducted him. The assault also claimed the lives of four security personnel, while troops later rescued several members of the chairman’s family.

The death of Bello Umar Abdullahi has added a tragic dimension to the incident, leaving the people of Bungudu and the wider Zamfara community mourning a man who lost his life while attempting to save his brother from captivity.