Bandits kidnap 100 people and abduct head imam in Zamfara – Nigeria – The Guardian Nigeria News

As many as 100 people, including women, children and elderly men, were kidnapped by advancing bandits in Zamfara communities near Gusau, the state capital.

The community’s head imam, who had previously been released from captivity and was being treated for a leg injury, was among the victims.

According to residents of the locality, this is the second time the head imam has been kidnapped.

Meanwhile, state authorities in Zamfara and the police have not issued a statement on the latest incident.

A survivor spoke to the BBC Hausa Service in an interview on Wednesday in which he described how affected communities were in turmoil, with residents fleeing in fear of further attacks.

“More than fifty people were taken near Sabon Layi, and around fifty more were kidnapped near Dogon Hayi,” he said, adding that the exact number was still uncertain due to the chaos and panic that followed when the locals fled to safety.

“The terrorists chased people as if they were hunting animals,” he continued.

“They chased people on motorcycles, followed women into their homes and kidnapped them. Some were intercepted while trying to flee and driven into the bush.”

He described how the attackers targeted multiple communities, including Gira, Ruwa Kusa, Dogon Hayi and Gidan Kado, where they stole motorcycles, agricultural products and personal items such as smartphones. They also looted stores for provisions.

Community members have reportedly alerted officials in Wanke, but there has been no official response yet.

The survivor noted that these attacks have been ravaging their communities for almost nine years, causing many residents to seek refuge in Gusau and other areas.

“There are no animals here anymore. Once night falls, everyone is scared because staying overnight in these communities has become extremely dangerous,” he added.