Bandits abduct over 50 women, girls in Zamfara State midnight raid

In a harrowing attack, suspected bandits stormed Kakin Dawa village in the Gidan Goga district of Maradun Local Government Area, Zamfara State, abducting more than 50 women and girls in the early hours of Sunday.

The victims reportedly include young girls, some as young as three years old, and married women, plunging the community into despair.

According to local residents, the gunmen arrived around 1:30 a.m. on Sunday, wielding sophisticated weapons. Moving systematically from house to house, they forcibly removed women and girls while others fled for safety.

A distraught resident, narrating the ordeal, said:  “The bandits had been targeting our village, so when they came heavily armed, everyone started running. Later, we found out they had taken more than 50 of our women, including little girls and married women.”

The attack has heightened fears in a region already grappling with insecurity and repeated incidents of mass abductions.

The Zamfara State Police Command has acknowledged the incident. Spokesman Yazid Abubakar confirmed the attack but noted that details remained sketchy.

He assured the public that a comprehensive statement would be issued once the investigation provides clearer facts.

“The police are working to verify the authenticity and details of the report. We urge residents to remain calm as security agencies address the situation,” Abubakar stated.

READ ALSO: Police rescue 14 passengers from bandits in Katsina’s Jibia

The incident underscores the persistent insecurity in Zamfara State, a region plagued by banditry, kidnappings, and violent attacks. Local communities have repeatedly expressed frustration over the inability of security forces to curb these crimes.

Dr. Kabiru Shehu, a conflict resolution expert, described the attack as a symptom of deep-rooted issues in the region:

“The prevalence of these attacks highlights the failure to address the underlying drivers of insecurity, including poverty, lack of education, and porous borders. Without a comprehensive strategy, such incidents will continue to occur.”

Activists and stakeholders have called on both state and federal governments to intensify efforts to combat banditry and improve security in Zamfara and other affected areas. Zainab Yusuf, a women’s rights advocate, condemned the abduction as a gross violation of human rights:

“These are not just numbers; these are mothers, daughters, and young children who are being stolen from their families. The government must take decisive action to protect vulnerable communities and ensure the safe return of these women and girls.”

As investigations continue, local authorities and community leaders are urging for immediate intervention to secure the release of the victims.

The attack raises urgent questions about the adequacy of Nigeria’s security architecture and the measures needed to prevent further tragedies in vulnerable regions.