ZAMFARA: Bandits abduct over 50 people

Residents reported that the victims were abducted while working on their farms in Wanke and surrounding areas, while three others were taken along the Anka-Gurusu road in the Anka Local Government Area.

A resident from Kwalfada, a neighboring village to Wanke, stated that the victims were taken directly from their farms.

In Niger State, at least ten farmers from Wayam and Belu-Belu villages in the Rafi Local Government Area were also killed by bandits.

Details of the Zamfara Incident

A local described the abduction: “The victims were working in their fields when the bandits suddenly arrived on motorbikes and seized them at gunpoint. They ordered them onto the bikes, and they were taken away.

“Any effort to escape by the kidnapped individuals could cost them their lives, as the bandits are increasingly enraged, reportedly due to ongoing military operations against them.”

Reports reveal that the bandits have been imposing levies on various villages. A source mentioned that Kachalla Mati, who succeeded Kachalla Halilu Sububu, has placed a N50 million levy on Kawaye village, giving residents two weeks to pay or face the consequences.

Additionally, Dan Yusuf, a bandit leader and brother of another well-known bandit leader, Ado Alleiro, has distributed over N100 million in levies among several villages in the western part of Tsafe Local Government Area, with specific amounts set for different villages, including N20 million for Kucheri and N7 million for Kwalfada.

“The levy is an annual occurrence during the harvest season since the bandits know villagers have sold their produce or stored it away,” the source explained.

Speaking with the BBC Hausa Service, a villager verified the abduction, saying: “We are in distress, unsure of our loved ones’ fate. No one has reached out to inform us of their condition.

“At least 50 individuals were taken, including an imam, who has been kidnapped before. Among those abducted, only seven are men; the rest are women and children.”

Relentless Attackers

A Kucheri villager, Muhammad Musa, revealed that despite losing some followers in recent military crackdowns, the bandit leader Dan Yusuf continues to terrorize the populace.

Musa reported, “Dan Yusuf is actively recruiting for banditry. He recently threatened to kill the elderly in Yanwarin Daji village when they refused to provide him with young recruits, resulting in the villagers offering him five boys.”

On Tuesday, Dan Yusuf allegedly attacked an Armoured Personnel Carrier belonging to the Nigerian Army in Kunchin Kalgo village, but fortunately, no soldiers were injured.

In Gummi town, Malam Usman Yusuf recounted that three bandits halted a commercial bus traveling from Gummi to Gusau and abducted its passengers. However, five managed to escape during the ordeal, while three were taken.

When contacted, Zamfara State Police Commissioner CP Muhammad Shehu Dalijan mentioned he was out of state for official duties and could not comment. He directed inquiries to SP Yazid Abubakar, the command’s Public Relations Officer, who did not respond to multiple calls.

The state’s Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Amb. Bala Muhammad Mairiga, acknowledged the abduction in Wanke, but stated, “I cannot confirm the exact number of abductees as we have yet to receive official reports from security agencies or traditional institutions.

“Regarding the levies, we have not received any complaints from the affected villages. Nonetheless, we will investigate the matter. The Zamfara State government will not allow bandits to extort the populace.

“The Governor Dauda Lawal-led administration is committed to combating banditry and will take all necessary actions to address the issue,” he affirmed.

Niger Attack Summary

In the Niger State incident, which took place around 4 a.m. yesterday, it was reported that in addition to the deceased farmers, many were abducted, and several others sustained bullet wounds and are now receiving treatment at a local clinic in Kagara, the Rafi Local Government Area headquarters.

The attack occurred as residents were preparing for early morning prayers. Bala Tukur, a local resident, stated, “Ten people were killed at Wayam village near Madaka, and many others were injured. The level of violence we’re experiencing is alarming, causing widespread panic among the community. Many have not been able to harvest even half of their crops, including maize that is now hardening due to neglect.

“Recently, Kukoki residents were extorted to pay N1.5 million to harvest their crops. They complied, but bandits attacked them just four days later,” he noted.

Last Friday, bandits reportedly invaded the historic town of Zungeru in Wushishi LGA, raiding homes and even a hotel to kidnap occupants. Residents indicated that this assault took place around midnight on Saturday and involved the kidnapping of Saidu Yakubu, an employee of Sino-Hydro, and his wife.

“Since last week, bandits have relentlessly attacked along the Zungeru-Tegina-Kontagora road. Our security forces have faced challenges; eight vigilantes were killed, but we learned that the security teams managed to corner them near Pandogari, forcing them into hiding,” a resident said.

The state’s Commissioner for Homeland Security, Brigadier General Bello Abdullahi Mohammed (rtd), assured that the state government is aware of the attacks and is mobilizing security stakeholders to address the issue.

The spokesperson for the Niger State Police Command, SP Wasiu Abiodun, confirmed that the incident was likely a reprisal for the recent military operations that resulted in the rescue of approximately 23 kidnapped individuals.

“This appears to be a suspected retaliatory attack following a response from the joint security taskforce,” he stated. “Nevertheless, our security teams remain active, and patrols have intensified in efforts to rescue the abducted victims.”