Kehinde Fajobi
Bandits have unleashed another violent raid in Zamfara State, targeting communities in Wanke, near Gusau, where they abducted over 100 people, including women, children, and the elderly.
Among those kidnapped was the community’s Chief Imam, who had only recently been released from a previous abduction and was recovering from a leg injury.
This is the second time the Imam has been abducted.
A local resident, speaking to BBC Hausa in an interview monitored on Wednesday, recounted the terror.
“Near Sabon Layi, over 50 people were taken, and near Dogon Hayi, about 50 more were abducted,” he said, adding that the chaotic scene made it difficult to determine the exact number of people kidnapped.
“The terrorists chased people as if they were hunting animals,” he described. “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.”
The attackers reportedly raided 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 local shops for provisions.
Residents of these affected areas have endured such attacks for nearly nine years, often fleeing to Gusau for refuge.
“Once night falls, everyone is filled with dread, as staying in these communities overnight has become extremely dangerous,” the resident said.
Community members reportedly alerted local authorities in Wanke, though no official response has been issued.
Attempts to reach the police for comment were unsuccessful, according to the BBC Hausa report.