Gunmen Abduct Over 100 Villagers in Fresh Zamfara Attack

Gunmen have once again wreaked havoc in Zamfara State, abducting more than 100 residents in a series of attacks on villages near Gusau, the state capital. The latest assault took place in the Wanke area, where the assailants abducted men, women, children, and the elderly, including a local religious leader.

According to a source, the Chief Imam, who was receiving treatment for a leg injury, was also among those taken. “This is the second time the Imam was abducted,” the source said.

At the time of this report, neither the state government nor the police had issued a statement regarding the incidents. However, a survivor of the attack shared harrowing details with the BBC Hausa Service, describing the scene as one of complete chaos, with residents fleeing the area in fear of further assaults.

The survivor explained that the abductions occurred in multiple locations. “Near Sabon Layi, over 50 persons were taken away, and near Dagon Hayi, about 50 persons were also abducted,” he said, adding that the exact number was still being counted due to the panic that caused many villagers to flee.

He described the attackers’ relentless pursuit of villagers, saying, “The terrorists were chasing people as if they were chasing animals. It was quite a disturbing scenario, watching how people were being chased.”

The assailants used motorbikes to track down their victims, specifically targeting women and dragging them from their homes. Some villagers were even intercepted as they tried to escape and were herded into the bush, the survivor recalled.

The attackers hit several communities, including Gira, Ruwa Kusa, Dogon Hayi, and Gidan Kado, where they stole motorcycles, farm produce, mobile phones, and raided shops for provisions. Despite being alerted, no immediate action was taken by authorities in Wanke, the survivor claimed.

“These attacks have been going on for the past nine years. We have had to migrate to Gusau and other places. There are no animals left here anymore. Once night falls, everyone is deeply worried, as sleeping in the communities has become extremely dangerous,” the survivor said.

The BBC Hausa report also noted that attempts to get a response from the police regarding the recent incidents were unsuccessful. The ongoing violence continues to grip local residents, who live in constant fear of being targeted by the bandits.