At least 46 people, including women and children, have been abducted in a violent raid by suspected bandits on Gana town, Zamfara State, Northwest Nigeria. The attack plunged the community into chaos as armed men on motorbikes stormed the area, shooting indiscriminately and setting homes and businesses on fire.
Eyewitnesses reported that the assailants operated unchallenged for hours, rounding up their captives before retreating into the forest. âThey came in large numbers and started shooting. People scattered in all directions, but they still managed to take many of our loved ones,â a distraught resident recounted.
A local traditional leader, speaking anonymously, confirmed the abductions and revealed that most of the victims were women and children. He expressed frustration over the lack of security presence in the area, describing the attack as a “devastating blow to the community.”
This incident follows a similar mass abduction in Zamfara last month, raising fears over the deteriorating security situation in the region. Despite ongoing military efforts to combat banditry, attacks continue to threaten lives and livelihoods across Zamfara and neighboring states.
Efforts to reach the Zamfara State police spokesperson, Yazid Abubakar, for comments were unsuccessful, as calls and messages went unanswered, according to Reuters.
Northwest Nigeria has been grappling with violent attacks by armed gangs, locally referred to as bandits, who engage in kidnappings, killings, and ransom demands. Their victims include residents, farmers, students, and travelers.
Alhaji Garba Haure, a traditional leader in Gana, commended security forces for preventing the attackers from completely destroying the town. He confirmed no fatalities but stated, “We have 46 men, women, and children abducted so far, and the number is still rising.”
Bala Harauma, a resident, suggested that the actual number of abductees might be higher. He mentioned that six people managed to escape while being transported early Monday morning.
Another resident, Yusuf Mohammed, reported that the attackers burned down dozens of homes and food silos, leaving many families without shelter or supplies.
Residents also disclosed that captives from a previous attack in December were only released after a ransom payment.
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