Bandits storm Zamfara community, abduct Imam, 99 villagers

Bandits have attacked communities in Wanke, near Gusau, the capital of Zamfara State and abducted about 100 citizens.

A Chief Imam was among the victims abducted.

According to a source, “This is the second time the Imam was abducted.”

The state government and the police are yet to react to the incident.

A survivor told the BBC Hausa Service in an interview that the affected communities were under siege and people were migrating for fear of further attacks.

He further explained that near Sabon Layi, over 50 persons were taken away, and near Dagon Hayi about 50 others were also abducted.

He stated that they were still counting those missing, adding that some of the locals were terribly frightened and ran for safety.

He added that the terrorists were chasing people as if they were chasing animals, lamenting that it was quite a disturbing scenario watching how people were being chased away from their houses.

According to him, they (bandits) were chasing the people on motorbikes, stressing that they traced women to their houses and abducted them, while some were even intercepted while running away and were herded like animals to the bush.

“These terrorists attacked Gira, Ruwa Kusa, Dogon Hayi and Gidan Kado communities, where they stole motorcycles, farm produce and phones. They burgled shops and stole provisions,” the source disclosed.

The source said that officials at Wanke were informed but no action was taken.

Efforts to get police reaction on the incidents were not successful.