Crime

See the Numbers of People Bandits Kill , Kidnapped in Fresh Attack on Zamfara Communities

Published by Tope Fakinlede on February 1st, 2025.

See the Numbers of People Bandits Kill , Kidnapped in Fresh Attack on Zamfara Communities

At least three people were killed and 24 others abducted during a series of bandit attacks on Thursday in four communities in Shinkafi Local Government Area, Zamfara State.

The attacks, believed to be carried out by foot soldiers of the notorious bandit leader Bello Truji, targeted Shinkafi town, as well as the villages of Jangeru, Shanawa, and Birnin Yero.

In Shinkafi, three individuals were killed, and nine others, including four women, were kidnapped in a raid that lasted just a few minutes. The bandits also attacked a mosque in Birnin Yero, where they kidnapped eight worshippers and left several others injured.

An eyewitness from Birnin Yero explained, “The bandits stormed the village while people were finishing their 8pm prayers. They fired several shots into the air, causing panic among the worshippers, who fled in fear. Eight people were kidnapped, and some who ran into the bush sustained injuries. We were lucky no one was killed in that attack.”

In Shanawa, the bandits abducted four residents, while in Jangeru, a woman was taken but later abandoned in the bush after being struck on the head with a stick. “The bandits realized she couldn’t keep up with the march, so they hit her and left her behind,” said a local resident. “She regained consciousness around 3am and made her way back to the village by morning. The whole attack terrified us as they fired shots indiscriminately.”

The attack on Shanawa came just a day after 12 residents were freed following the payment of a N12 million ransom.

Sources also reported that the bandits have issued an ultimatum to two other villages in the region—Kwari and Kurya—demanding that residents vacate their homes within three days or face violence. However, a Kurya resident, who wished to remain anonymous, said, “We are not leaving. We are tired of the constant threats and the ransom demands. They have taken millions from us, and now they want to force us from our land. We refuse to comply. We are calling on the government to send security personnel so we can defend ourselves.”

The ongoing violence and threats have left communities in the area living in fear, with many demanding greater protection from the authorities.