Women, children flee Zamfara community as bandits attack
Scores of women and children were reportedly seen crossing a major river in Birnin Magaji Local Government Area of Zamfara State as they fled their homes following a reported bandit attack on the community.
Residents said the movement began after armed bandits launched an incursion into the area, forcing many families to seek safety in neighbouring communities and safer locations.
Read also:Bandits abduct Zamfara Polytechnic students in midnight attack
Eyewitnesses described scenes of panic as women carrying children and personal belongings crossed the river in an attempt to escape the advancing attackers. Local sources said the displacement affected several households, with residents abandoning their homes amid fears of further violence.
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In a related development, armed bandits reportedly stormed a Fulani settlement near Lafiyagi in Edu Local Government Area of Kwara State at about midnight, abducting the son of a traditional chief, his two nursing wives and a newborn baby said to be less than a month old.
According to reports cited by BBC Hausa, the attackers also killed one resident and kidnapped his son during the raid. The kidnappers are said to have demanded a ransom of ₦100 million for the release of all captives.
Chairman of Mi-Yetti-Allah Pulako Yeso-Yeso in Kwara State, Ali Muhammadu Janwuro, said the attackers initially abducted the women before returning the following day to seize additional victims.
Janwuro lamented that bandit attacks have plagued the community for nearly eight years, resulting in the loss of more than 2,000 cattle and the abduction of numerous residents. He called for stronger security measures to protect vulnerable communities and curb the activities of criminal groups operating in the region.
Read also:Ex-Kaduna LG chairman found dead after bandits’ attack on burial ceremony
The incidents in Zamfara and Kwara States further underscore Nigeria’s worsening security challenges, particularly across parts of the North West and North Central regions, where armed groups continue to carry out attacks, kidnappings and cattle rustling operations.
Security analysts have warned that the growing sophistication and reach of criminal gangs pose a significant threat to rural communities, disrupting livelihoods and forcing residents to flee their homes in search of safety.
As of the time of filing this report, security authorities had yet to issue detailed statements on the latest incidents. Residents in both affected areas have appealed for increased deployment of security personnel and sustained operations to restore peace and prevent further attacks.
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