Bandits on rampage struck again in Zamfara State, targeting towns in Wanke, near the capital Gusau, and abducting over 100 persons, including women, children, and the elderly.
The abductees included the community’s Chief Imam, who had previously been released from captivity and was being treated for a leg injury.
According to local sources, this is the Chief Imam’s second abduction.
A survivor told the BBC Hausa Service in an interview on Wednesday that the targeted areas were in chaos, with residents fleeing for fear of additional strikes by the bandits.
“Near Sabon Layi, over 50 people were taken, and near Dogon Hayi, about 50 more were abducted,” he said, adding that the exact number was still uncertain due to the chaos and panic that ensued as locals scrambled for safety.
“The terrorists chased people as if they were hunting animals,” he added. “They pursued people on motorbikes, tracked women inside their homes, and abducted them. Some were intercepted while attempting to flee and were herded into the bush.”
He told how the bandits targeted several communities, including Gira, Ruwa Kusa, Dogon Hayi, and Gidan Kado, stealing motorcycles, farm goods, and personal belongings such as smartphones. They also raided shops for supplies.
Community members apparently notified officials in Wanke, but there has been no official response.
The witness stated that these attacks had been plaguing their neighbourhoods for about nine years, forcing many locals to seek sanctuary in Gusau and other locations.
“There are no animals here anymore,” he lamented. “Once night falls, everyone is filled with dread, as staying in these communities overnight has become extremely dangerous.”
As of the time of filing this report, state officials and police had yet to comment regarding the incident.
