Chief Imam, About 100 Others Kidnapped As Gunmen Attack Zamfara Communities

No fewer than one hundred (100) individuals were reported kidnapped in a recent attack by bandits in Zamfara State.

Reports obtained by Naija News revealed that the assailants had targeted several communities in Wanke, a locality adjacent to Gusau, the capital city of the state, where they led their victims into the wilderness.

Among the victims were women, children, and the elderly, including the Chief Imam, who was attending to a leg injury at the time of the abduction.

This incident marks the second time these bandits have targeted the Imam.

As of the time of writing this report, there has been no official response from either the state government or the police to these recent events.

Nonetheless, a survivor has shared their account with the BBC Hausa Service in an interview yesterday.

According to the survivor, the affected communities are currently under siege, leading to a mass migration among the residents in fear of further attacks.

“Near Sabon Layi, over 50 persons were taken away, and near Dagon Hayi about 50 persons were also abducted,” he alleged.

He said they were still counting since some locals were frightened and ran for safety.

“The terrorists were chasing people as if they were chasing animals. It was quite a disturbing scenario, watching how people were being chased.

“They were chasing them on motorbikes, they traced women to their houses and abducted them. Some were even intercepted while running away and were herded like animals to the bush.

“These terrorists attacked Gira, Ruwa Kusa, Dogon Hayi and Gidan Kado communities, where they stole motorcycles, farm produce and phones. They burgled shops and stole provisions.

“Officials at Wanke were informed but no action was taken as at now, that we can confirm,” the individual stated, adding that they have been having these attacks on their communities for the past nine years.

“We are being faced with this calamity and had even migrated to Gusau and other places. There are no animals here, anymore.

“Once night falls, everyone would be deeply worried as sleeping in the communities would be extremely dangerous,” the survivor noted.