Chief Imam several other Residents kidnapped by gunmen in fresh attack on Communities
In a fresh wave of violence, armed bandits have struck again in Zamfara State, launching a brutal raid on communities near the state capital, Gusau, and abducting over 100 residents, including women, children, and the elderly.
The attack took place in the Wanke area, where local reports suggest that multiple villages were targeted.
Among those taken by the bandits was the Chief Imam of the area, who had previously been abducted and had only recently been released after suffering a leg injury.
This marks the second time the Chief Imam has been taken by the bandits, heightening the already widespread sense of insecurity in the region.
As of now, neither state authorities nor the police have issued any official statement on the attack.
A survivor of the attack spoke with the BBC Hausa Service, describing the chaos and terror that unfolded during the raid. “In Sabon Layi, over 50 people were taken, and another 50 were abducted near Dogon Hayi,” the survivor recounted, adding that the exact number of victims is still unclear due to the confusion and panic that ensued.
“The terrorists chased people as if they were hunting animals,” the survivor said.
“They were on motorcycles, hunting down women in their homes, and even those trying to escape were caught and forced into the bush.”
The bandits, believed to be operating in organized groups, raided multiple villages including Gira, Ruwa Kusa, Dogon Hayi, and Gidan Kado.
In addition to the abductions, they looted motorcycles, farm produce, personal belongings, and smartphones, and ransacked local shops for supplies.
Community members immediately alerted local authorities in Wanke, but as of the latest reports, there has been no official response or action from the police or the government.
The survivor also shared how the ongoing violence has forced many residents to flee their homes. “For almost nine years now, we have been living in constant fear,” he said.
“People have moved to Gusau and other towns seeking refuge. There are no animals left here, and once night falls, no one feels safe. It’s become too dangerous to remain here.”
Despite the gravity of the situation, attempts to get a comment from the police on the latest attack have been unsuccessful.
The ongoing violence in Zamfara continues to destabilise communities, as residents are left at the mercy of bandits who regularly terrorize the region with little intervention from authorities.
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