Chief Imam, about 100 others kidnapped as gunmen attack Zamfara communities

At least one hundred people were reportedly kidnapped in a recent attack by bandits in Zamfara State.

According to reports, the attackers targeted multiple communities in Wanke, a region near Gusau, the state capital, and led their captives into the wilderness. The victims included women, children, and the elderly, as well as the Chief Imam, who was receiving treatment for a leg injury at the time of the abduction.

This is the second time the bandits have targeted the Imam.

At the time of this report, there has been no official response from the state government or the police regarding the incident.

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.