Bandits storm Zamfara mosque, kidnap 40 during prayers
Armed bandits launched another deadly assault on Monday morning, abducting around 40 worshippers during prayers at a mosque in Gidan Turbe village, Tsafe Local Government Area of Zamfara State.
The raid took place at about 5:30 a.m., just as the faithful gathered for dawn prayers. Witnesses said the gunmen surrounded the mosque, forcing the worshippers out at gunpoint before leading them away.
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Community sources revealed that the captives were later marched into the forests along the Gohori axis in Tsafe.
The incident has plunged the rural community into fear and anguish, occurring barely a day after reports of peace agreements between local leaders and some armed groups in Katsina and neighbouring states.
Observers say the latest abduction highlights the weakness of ongoing peace efforts in the North West, where heavily armed groups continue to strike with little restraint despite dialogue initiatives.
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“The bandits have no command, structure or control. You can negotiate with those in Katsina, yet others are attacking in Zamfara, Sokoto, Kebbi and Kaduna,” a local source told Zagazola Makama.
As of the time of reporting, security officials in Zamfara State were yet to confirm the attack.
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