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- Armed bandits have abducted over 50 people in two separate attacks across Zamfara State, Nigeria, sparking renewed fears over escalating insecurity
- Around 40 worshippers were seized during dawn prayers at a mosque in Tsafe LGA, while another 12 villagers were kidnapped in Bukkuyum
- The incidents occurred despite recent peace efforts in neighbouring states, depicting the fragmented nature of bandit operations in the region
More than 50 people have reportedly been abducted in separate incidents across Zamfara State, Nigeria, as armed bandits intensified their operations despite recent peace overtures in the region.
According to reports from Zagazola Makama, a counter-insurgency publication, around 40 worshippers were kidnapped early Monday morning while attending dawn prayers at a mosque in Gidan Turbe village, located in Tsafe Local Government Area (LGA).
Source: Getty Images
The gunmen allegedly arrived at approximately 5:30 am, surrounding the mosque and taking the worshippers at gunpoint.
The captives were reportedly moved into the forests near the Gohori axis in Tsafe, deepening fears among residents and raising concerns over the effectiveness of recent peace efforts.
The attack came barely 24 hours after reports emerged of a “peace deal” involving local leaders and armed groups in Katsina and neighbouring states.
A source told Makama that the incident depicted the fragmented nature of bandit operations in the region. “While negotiations may occur in some areas, attacks continue unabated in Zamfara, Sokoto, Kebbi, and Kaduna,” the source said.
Bandits strike again in Bukkuyum LGA
In a separate incident on Sunday, 12 people were reportedly abducted from Godai village in Bukkuyum LGA. Witnesses said the gunmen fired sporadically to disperse residents before taking the victims towards Gyado forest.
The Zamfara State Police Command confirmed receiving a distress call from the divisional police officer in Bukkuyum. Authorities stated that security personnel were immediately deployed to the area in response to the attack.
Rising insecurity amid fragile peace efforts
The latest wave of abductions has plunged rural communities into confusion and despair, casting doubt on the sustainability of recent peace initiatives. Residents and observers have expressed concern over the lack of a unified strategy to tackle banditry, which continues to destabilise large swathes of northwestern Nigeria.
Security analysts say the persistence of such attacks highlights the urgent need for coordinated action and stronger intelligence operations to protect vulnerable communities and restore public confidence.
Bandits kidnap 16, set houses ablaze
Legit.ng earlier reported that at least 16 people have been kidnapped and houses set ablaze in Makeri, Mai-Ido, and Kushumi communities in the Kagarko local government area of Kaduna State. Armed bandits attacked three communities in broad daylight on Monday around 12pm, February 10, 2025.
A community leader said the bandits stormed the communities in large numbers, with some of them wearing army uniforms and wielding AK-47 rifles. As reported by Daily Trust, the community leader said the terrorists attacked when some villagers had gone to the farm.
He said bandits kidnapped 11 women and five children amid sporadic gunshots. He further staed that the bandits escaped with the victims before some troops who were alerted at Kagarko town could arrive.
Source: Legit.ng
