Many worshippers abducted as gunmen invade Zamfara mosque

Some suspected bandits have reportedly attacked a mosque in Birnin Yaro village, Zamfara state, abducting several worshippers.

According to Zagazola Makama, a counter-insurgency publication focused on the Lake Chad region, the attack was led by Bello Turji, a notorious warlord, and his armed men during Isha prayers on Friday night.

The attackers reportedly herded the victims into the forest. The exact number of those kidnapped remains unknown.

There has been a spike in the spate of kidnapping for ransom in Nigeria’s northern region in recent times.

Last week, at least 46 people, including women and children, were kidnapped in a raid on Gana town in Zamfara state.

Dozens of gunmen on motorbikes reportedly attacked the town, shooting sporadically and setting fire to several homes and businesses.

In December, at least 43 persons were abducted by gunmen in Kakidawa, Gidan Goga district, Maradun LGA of the state.

Eyewitnesses said the gunmen shot sporadically, causing residents to scamper into nearby bushes.

They said the gunmen then conducted a house-to-house search, abducting women and children who were unable to escape.