Bandits kidnap 40 worshippers in Zamfara mosque

Suspected bandits have abducted about 40 worshippers in Gidan Turbe village, Tsafe Local Government Area of Zamfara State.

The incident reportedly occurred at about 5:30 a.m. on Monday, while residents were observing early morning prayers at a mosque.

Security analyst Zagazola Makama, who disclosed the development on his X handle (@ZagazOlaMakama), said the victims were taken into the forests around the Gohori axis in Tsafe, despite an earlier peace arrangement between the villagers and the armed groups.

“The incident has thrown the rural community into confusion and despair, coming at a time when local leaders and some armed groups in Katsina and neighbouring states had reportedly entered into truces aimed at reducing attacks,” Makama stated.

He warned that the attack highlighted the fragility of the ongoing peace efforts, adding: “The bandits have no command, structure or control.

“You can negotiate with bandits in Katsina while they continue to strike in Zamfara, Sokoto, Kebbi and Kaduna.”

As of the time of filing this report, security authorities in Zamfara had not yet issued an official statement on the abduction.