Chief Imam Taken for Second Time as Bandits Abduct Over 100 in Zamfara

Bandits struck again in Zamfara State, attacking multiple communities near Wanke, close to Gusau, and abducting over 100 people, including women, children, and the elderly.

Among those taken was the community’s Chief Imam, recently released from a prior abduction and still recovering from a leg injury.

This is reportedly his second time being kidnapped.

Local authorities and the police have yet to issue statements regarding the incident. However, a survivor recounted the ordeal to BBC Hausa, describing widespread chaos as residents fled in terror, with some communities left devastated.

“Near Sabon Layi, more than 50 people were taken, and around Dogon Hayi, about 50 more,” he said, explaining that panic made it difficult to confirm the exact numbers. “The attackers chased us as though hunting, pursuing people on motorbikes, breaking into homes, and taking women and children.”

He described the systematic targeting of communities such as Gira, Ruwa Kusa, Dogon Hayi, and Gidan Kado, where the assailants looted shops, seized motorcycles, stole farm produce, and confiscated personal items like smartphones.

Although community members alerted officials in Wanke, no response has been received so far.

The survivor lamented the nearly nine years of relentless bandit attacks in these areas, forcing many to relocate to Gusau. “As night falls, fear grips everyone here because it’s simply not safe to stay,” he said.

Attempts by the BBC Hausa Service to obtain a statement from the police on this recent wave of abductions have so far been unsuccessful.

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