Rampaging bandits have struck again in Zamfara State, attacking communities in Wanke, near the capital Gusau, where they abducted over 100 people, including women, children, and the elderly.
Among the abductees was the community’s Chief Imam, who was previously released from captivity and was receiving treatment for a leg injury.
This marks the second time the Chief Imam has been abducted, according to local reports.
As of press time, state authorities and the police have not issued a statement on the incident.
A survivor spoke to the BBC Hausa Service in an interview monitored on Wednesday, recounting how the affected communities were in turmoil, with residents fleeing out of fear of further attacks.
“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 described how the assailants targeted multiple communities, including Gira, Ruwa Kusa, Dogon Hayi, and Gidan Kado, where they stole motorcycles, farm produce, and personal items like smartphones. They also looted shops for provisions.
Community members reportedly alerted officials in Wanke, but there has been no official response yet.
The survivor noted that these attacks have plagued their communities for nearly nine years, driving many residents to seek refuge in Gusau and other areas. “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.”
The BBC Hausa report stated that efforts to obtain police comments on the situation were unsuccessful.
