In a terrifying assault on the residents of several villages in Zamfara State, reports have emerged indicating that at least 100 individuals have been abducted by suspected terrorists who launched a violent attack on seven villages within the Wanke district of Gusau Local Government Area (LGA). The abduction took place after a ruthless raid by assailants who wreaked havoc in the region, further underscoring the persistent security issues plaguing the area.
The attack has raised serious concerns about the safety of the affected communities, as local authorities work to investigate the incident and coordinate efforts to rescue those taken captive. The assailants, believed to be heavily armed and well-coordinated, stormed the villages on motorbikes, wielding sophisticated firearms, and fired sporadically to create chaos and instill fear among the residents before abducting their victims. The nature of the attack has left local communities in a state of heightened fear and anxiety, as they continue to deal with the ongoing threat of violence in the region.
Among those believed to have been captured by the attackers is a chief imam who had recently regained his freedom after being previously abducted by bandits. This news has only deepened the concerns of the residents, as it highlights the relentless cycle of violence that continues to plague the region. A survivor of the attack shared details of the ordeal, stating that the affected communities are still under siege, with many residents fleeing their homes to escape the brutal attacks and avoid being taken captive themselves.
The survivor reported that over 50 people were taken from the Sabon Layi area, while another 50 were abducted near Dogon Hayi. The numbers of missing individuals are still being tallied, and many residents have been left in terror, unsure of the fate of their loved ones. “The terrorists chased people like animals,” the survivor recalled, describing the panic and devastation caused by the attackers. The assailants used their motorbikes to pursue fleeing individuals, tracking women to their homes and intercepting others trying to escape. Those captured were then forcibly herded into the surrounding bushes. The terrorists also looted the area, stealing motorcycles, farm produce, mobile phones, and ransacking shops, causing further damage to the already fragile community infrastructure.
Despite the severity of the attack, the survivor expressed frustration at the lack of response from local authorities, claiming that officials in the Wanke area had been informed about the situation but had taken no action to address the crisis. “Officials at Wanke have been informed, but no action has been taken so far,” the survivor noted, highlighting the growing sense of abandonment felt by the affected communities. He further explained the gravity of the situation, stating that many residents had been forced to flee, as it had become impossible to stay in their homes due to the constant threat of further violence. “We are faced with this calamity and had to leave. There are no animals left here. When night falls, everyone is on edge; staying in the communities has become extremely dangerous,” the survivor said, emphasizing the dire situation facing the people in the area.
As the situation remains dire and many people continue to live in fear, questions have been raised about the effectiveness of the local government and security forces in addressing the ongoing security challenges in Zamfara. Yazid Abubakar, the Zamfara police spokesperson, was contacted for comment, but he did not answer calls or respond to text messages when approached by TheCable for further information. This lack of communication has left many wondering about the ability of the authorities to ensure the safety of the region and protect the lives of innocent citizens caught in the crossfire of this violence. The attack has once again highlighted the urgent need for stronger security measures and a more robust response to the growing threat of terrorism in the region.