Bandits abduct 55 in Zamfara amid peace deal

Fresh tension has gripped Zamfara State after bandits abducted 43 worshippers from a mosque in Gidan Turbe, Tsafe Local Government Area, during dawn prayers on Monday.

The incident came barely a day after another 12 villagers were kidnapped in Godai, Bukkuyum Local Government Area.

Residents said the gunmen, numbering several and heavily armed, silently surrounded the mosque around 5:30am before whisking away the worshippers to Gahori Mountain, a notorious hideout for armed groups that stretches across Zamfara, Kebbi, and Kaduna States.

Community members identified the attackers as loyalists of bandit kingpin Adamu Aliero and linked the assault to Zamfara’s refusal to enter into a peace accord with armed groups, unlike Katsina, which recently struck a deal.

“Hardly a day passes without a community being attacked. Even villages that agreed to pay money to bandits are later betrayed and attacked,” said Habibu Dogo, a resident.

The wave of abductions has left communities in confusion and despair, with many families fleeing their homes near Gahori Mountain. Residents accused both federal and state authorities of failing to prioritize their safety.

“We are tired of the game. The government deploys heavy security during elections, but when it comes to our lives, they look away,” said Muhammad Tukur Isa, a resident of Kaura Namoda.

Governor Dauda Lawal, who has repeatedly ruled out negotiations with bandits, condemned the renewed attacks, insisting that his government will not “legitimize murderers.” His aide, Mustapha Jafaru Kaura, urged the federal government to deploy soldiers as it did during the recent by-election in the state.

“What stops the federal government from sending the same battalions and weapons used to protect votes to fight bandits killing our people?” he asked.

The Zamfara Police Command confirmed the Godai attack, saying officers were deployed after receiving a distress call. However, locals maintain that sustained joint military action is needed across the North West to dismantle the bandits’ enclaves.