Bandits wreak havoc in Zamfara, kidnap over 100 people

Rampaging bandits have struck again in Zamfara State, Nigeria, leaving a trail of terror and despair in their wake.

Over 100 people, including women, children, and the elderly, were abducted from communities in Wanke, near the capital Gusau.

The community’s Chief Imam, who had previously been released from captivity and was receiving treatment for a leg injury, was among those taken. This marks the second time the Chief Imam has been abducted, a devastating blow to the community.

A survivor, who spoke to the BBC Hausa Service, recounted the horrors of the attack. “Near Sabon Layi, over 50 people were taken, and near Dogon Hayi, about 50 more were abducted,” he said, his voice shaking with emotion.

“The terrorists chased people as if they were hunting animals… They pursued people on motorbikes, tracked women inside their homes, and abducted them.” The survivor described how the bandits targeted multiple communities, including Gira, Ruwa Kusa, Dogon Hayi, and Gidan Kado, stealing valuable items and looting shops.

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The attack has sent shockwaves through the community, with residents fleeing in fear of further attacks. “The terrorists are heartless and merciless human beings,” said Aminu Bello, a resident of Dan Isa village, which was attacked by bandits in July. “Once they are eliminated, things will normalize in the area; they are our problem in this part of the state.”

Despite the gravity of the situation, state authorities and the police have yet to issue a statement on the incident. Community members have alerted officials in Wanke, but there has been no official response.

The people of Zamfara State are crying out for help, urging the government to deploy more security personnel to the area. “We need more security personnel around us; otherwise, we will not go back to the village,” pleaded Aminu Bello.

The repeated attacks have left residents feeling vulnerable and abandoned, with many calling for decisive action to eliminate the bandits.

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