Bandits abducted worshippers in Zamfara on their way back from Katsina peace deal

From A. A Chakwa, Gusau

Report from Tuber village in Western part of Tsafe Local Government Area of Zamfara State shows that armed bandits abducted approximately 40 people while observing early morning prayer in the mosque this morning.

The marauders stormed and besieged the mosque and kidnapped the worshippers.

According to a security expert Zaragoza Makama said, The attack occurred around 5:30 a.m. on when the Bandits were on their way back from Katsina peace dialogue, they whisked away the worshippers at gunpoint, eyewitnesses told Zagazola Makama.

Local sources revealed that the abductors later moved the victims deep into the forests around the Gohori axis of Tsafe.

The incident has thrown the rural community into fear

Community members said the attack highlights the fragility of ongoing peace efforts, as heavily armed groups continue to operate freely despite dialogue initiatives

“The bandits have no unified command or control. You can negotiate with some groups in Katsina, while others continue to carry out attacks in Zamfara, Sokoto, Kebbi, and Kaduna,” a local source said

The Community leaders have appealed for urgent intervention from state and federal governments, with local vigilante groups mobilizing to track the bandits and rescue their relations.

The Zamfara State police command has yet to issue an official statement regarding the attack and we contacted the state police command public Relations officer, Yazid Abubakar but he didn’t respond to our calls.