Armed bandits struck again in Zamfara State, abducting 12 villagers during a midnight attack on Godai community in Bukkuyum Local Government Area despite the peace agreement in various bandit-prone areas in the region.
Residents told reporters that the assailants stormed the village around 3:40 a.m. on Sunday, firing shots into the air to create panic.
Terrified locals fled into the bush, while the gunmen seized a dozen people and led them toward Gyado Forest.
“They came in large numbers and started shooting without warning. People were running for their lives, but some of our neighbours were captured,” a community member recounted.
The Zamfara State Police Command confirmed the incident, noting that a distress call was received from the Divisional Police Officer in Bukkuyum. Security operatives were immediately dispatched to the affected area.
“Our officers have been mobilised to track down the criminals and ensure the safe return of those kidnapped,” a police spokesperson said in a phone conversation.
Military authorities have also been alerted, with combined efforts now underway to rescue the victims.
Security sources disclosed that operations are being intensified to flush out the bandits and bring them to justice.
This latest abduction adds to the wave of violent attacks in Zamfara, a state long troubled by armed groups targeting rural communities for ransom.
Locals have continued to call on the government to strengthen security presence in remote areas.
“People here live in constant fear. We need lasting solutions, not just temporary deployments,” another resident lamented.