The African Union (AU) has condemned the killing of over 50 people and the abduction of women and children during coordinated attacks in Zamfara State.
The African Union Commission Chairperson, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, “strongly condemns the heinous and coordinated terrorist attacks perpetrated on February 21, 2026, in Zamfara State, Northwestern Nigeria,” which “resulted in the killing of more than 50 civilians and the abduction of women and children,” according to a statement posted on the commission’s official website on Sunday.
The AU said it “unequivocally rejects all acts of terrorism and violent extremism against civilian populations, particularly women and children,” describing them as “grave violations of human rights and serious threats to peace, security, and stability.”
Youssouf expressed the union’s “full solidarity with the Government and people of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” conveyed “heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families,” and wished a swift recovery to the injured.
He also emphasized the AU’s “unwavering support for Nigeria’s efforts to address insecurity and restore lasting peace.”
The Chairperson also called for the “immediate, safe, and unconditional release of all abducted women and children” and urged “strengthened, coordinated, and collective action to protect civilian populations and prevent the recurrence of such atrocities,” in line with the AU’s commitment to peace, security, and stability on the continent.
According to reports, bandits raided the village of Dutsin Dan Ajiya in the Anka Local Government Area of Zamfara State late Thursday night, murdering at least fifty people.
A video released on Saturday showed the victims’ bodies being covered in white for a mass burial.
According to a local, in order to prevent an escape, the assailants used advanced weaponry to invade the settlement and block all access ways.
“After blocking all the roads, the bandits started to shoot at sight, and the villagers ran helter-skelter,” he said.
He added, “After the attack, we realized that 30 people were killed; some were wounded, while several others are at large, and nobody knows their whereabouts.”
According to reports, the raid lasted until the early hours of Friday, with many residents abducted during the attack.
