Bandits kidnap over 50 in Zamfara attacks, shattering hopes of peace

Over 50 people have been kidnapped in two separate attacks by armed bandits in Zamfara state. The attacks happened just one day apart and have brought confusion and despair to the affected communities. This comes amidst reports of a “peace deal” that local leaders were attempting to make with armed groups. The first incident took place on Monday, when armed bandits stormed a mosque, abducting about 40 worshippers during dawn prayers. In a separate incident on Sunday, 12 people were taken from Godai village in Bukkuyum LGA.

On Monday morning, around 5:30 am, about 40 worshippers were kidnapped from a mosque in Gidan Turbe village, Tsafe LGA. According to a counter-insurgency publication, Zagazola Makama, the gunmen surrounded the mosque and took the worshippers away at gunpoint. The bandits then reportedly moved the captives into the forests near the Gohori axis in Tsafe. This attack has caused a lot of despair and confusion in the rural community, especially because it happened just a day after reports of a “peace deal” that was supposedly being discussed in nearby Katsina and other states. A source told BusinessDay that this incident shows that there is no single, unified command among these bandit groups. Even while some negotiations may be taking place in some areas, attacks are still happening in Zamfara, Sokoto, Kebbi, and Kaduna states.

In a separate incident on Sunday, bandits reportedly abducted 12 people from Godai village in Bukkuyum LGA. The gunmen arrived in the village and began shooting, which caused residents to flee. The bandits then took their victims toward the Gyado forest. The Zamfara state police department stated that they had received a distress call from the divisional police officer in Bukkuyum and that security personnel were immediately sent to the area.

This recent wave of abductions highlights the ongoing security challenges facing communities in Zamfara and surrounding states. The frequent kidnappings for ransom have made daily life dangerous and unpredictable for many residents. Despite ongoing efforts to combat the issue, these bandit groups continue to operate with little to no resistance. The victims and their families are left to deal with the trauma, and many communities now live in a constant state of fear. These incidents also raise questions about the effectiveness of the reported “peace deals” with armed groups. As demonstrated by the recent attacks, these agreements do not seem to be working across the board, and the bandits continue to strike in different areas. The lack of a unified command among the different bandit groups makes it difficult for any peace agreement to be successful. As a result, the cycle of violence and abduction continues, leaving many communities in a state of hopelessness and despair.