Not fewer than 100 people, including women, children, and elderly men, were kidnapped by rampaging bandits in Zamfara communities near Gusau, the state capital.

The community’s Chief Imam, who was previously released from captivity and was receiving treatment for a leg injury, was among the victims.

This marks the second time the Chief Imam has been abducted, according to residents of the locality.

Meanwhile, the state authorities in Zamfara and the police have not issued a statement concerning the latest 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 continued.

“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. Once night falls, everyone is filled with dread, as staying in these communities overnight has become extremely dangerous,” he added.

The Guardian