Villagers have been made to desert their homes following a string of coordinated assaults across Zamfara State in the past 48 hours.
The latest wave of attacks started in Yan Uku community in Garbadu Ward, Talata Mafara Local Government Area, before spreading to neighbouring settlements, including Farin Dutse.
Witnesses say the attackers moved from one location to another, abducting people and carting away valuables without resistance.
Among the victims is Muhammadu Lakada, who was seized on Tuesday night around 8 p.m. shortly after returning from the market. Relatives disclosed that it was the second time in a year that he had been abducted. His son and a neighbour, identified as Lauwali, were also taken during the raid.
Although his son was released hours later, he was reportedly ordered to deliver a phone number to his family.
“Yesterday, they came again, took him, his son, and another neighbour, Lauwali. They later released his son but told him to report back home with a phone number.”
Residents revealed that Lakada had been robbed just days earlier by the same gang, who stripped him of his clothes and belongings before returning to capture him again.
Survivors reveal that the terrorists returned on Wednesday at about 5pm.
The recent attack resulted in more captives being dragged into the forest.
“Majority of the villagers have already migrated. I got a call from someone saying bandits were sighted in nearby villages, so people are abandoning their homes to save their lives. Many will not sleep in their houses tonight,” a source confirmed.
Despite the growing violence, residents report that security presence remained minimal, even on Wednesday evening after the latest attack.