Several Muslim worshippers were reportedly abducted in the early hours of Thursday when armed bandits stormed a mosque in the Maradawa community, Gusau Local Government Area of Zamfara State.
According to security analyst Bakatsine, who disclosed the incident on his X (formerly Twitter) handle this morning, the attackers invaded the mosque during Subhi (dawn) prayers, shooting sporadically before whisking away the victims.
Also, eyewitnesses said the assailants struck without resistance, as there was no security presence in the area at the time of the attack.
“They came in large numbers on motorcycles and surrounded the mosque before anyone could escape,” a resident was quoted as saying.
The incident has sparked outrage among locals, with many expressing frustration over the rising wave of abductions and killings across Zamfara and other parts of Nigeria’s North-West region.
Security expert Bakatsine described the attack as another grim reminder of the worsening insecurity in the region. “The frequency of assaults on worshippers in the North-West is deeply alarming and calls for urgent government action,” he warned.
Maradawa, like many rural communities in Zamfara, has witnessed repeated raids by armed gangs, often referred to as bandits, who target villagers, schools, and religious gatherings for ransom kidnappings.
As of the time of this report, authorities have not issued an official statement, and the identities of the abducted victims remain unknown.
Residents have appealed for immediate intervention to rescue the captives and improve security across vulnerable communities.
Security analysts say the latest attack shows the persistent threat posed by non-state armed groups in the North-West, urging the federal government to review its counter-terrorism strategies and enhance intelligence coordination.
“It’s heartbreaking that even houses of worship are no longer safe,” said a community leader in Gusau. “People are now afraid to attend prayers, especially in rural mosques.”
The Zamfara abduction adds to a growing list of similar tragedies in the region, where insecurity continues to disrupt daily life and deepen fear among residents.