Bandits Abduct 100 Residents in Zamfara State, Including Chief Imam

Armed bandits have assaulted communities in Wanke, located near Gusau, the capital of Zamfara State, abducting approximately 100 residents. Among those taken was a Chief Imam, who had reportedly been kidnapped once before.

The state government and police have not yet issued any statements about the event. In an interview with the BBC Hausa Service, a survivor shared that the communities affected were in a state of siege, leading residents to flee out of fear of additional attacks. He reported that in the areas near Sabon Layi and Dogon Hayi, around 50 people were abducted from each location.

The survivor recounted that many were still unaccounted for, and the local population was terrified, seeking refuge. He described the scene as chaotic, with bandits pursuing people like animals. The attackers, riding motorbikes, chased women into their homes, abducted them, and intercepted others trying to escape, forcing them into the bush like livestock.

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The assailants targeted multiple communities, including Gira, Ruwa Kusa, Dogon Hayi, and Gidan Kado, looting motorcycles, farm produce, phones, and raiding shops for supplies. The source mentioned that although officials in Wanke were informed, no action was taken, and attempts to get a response from the police were unsuccessful.