A fresh wave of insecurity has hit Zamfara State as gunmen invaded Zamfarawa village in Bukkuyum Local Government Area, abducting about 30 residents in a broad daylight assault.
Eyewitnesses said the heavily armed attackers stormed the quiet community in large numbers, firing shots indiscriminately and forcing villagers to flee for safety.
The chaos reportedly lasted for several minutes before the gunmen rounded up dozens of people and whisked them away.
Further confirming the attack, security analyst, Zagazola, disclosed that the raid occurred around 2:20 p.m. on Monday, October 7, left residents in shock as families struggled to locate their missing loved ones. Community members described the incident as one of the most terrifying in recent months.
A local resident, who asked not to be named, said, “They came on motorcycles, shooting everywhere. People ran into the bush, but many were caught and taken away. We are living in fear every day.”
Meanwhile, security operatives have since launched a coordinated operation to track down the perpetrators and rescue the victims.
A police source confirmed that search efforts were ongoing across the forests linking Zamfara and neighbouring states.
“The joint security team has intensified surveillance and pursuit operations in the area,” the source said. “We are doing everything possible to ensure the safe return of those kidnapped.”
The abduction adds to the growing number of attacks across rural communities in Zamfara, where armed gangs have continued to terrorize residents despite ongoing military operations.
Locals have called on the government to strengthen security presence in remote areas and prevent further assaults.
A community leader appealed for urgent intervention, saying, “Our villages have become unsafe. We need constant patrols and strong action to stop these criminals once and for all.”
As of the time of filing this report, authorities were yet to confirm the identities of the abducted persons, while tension remains high in the affected community.