Armed bandits abducted at least 40 worshippers during dawn prayers at a mosque in Gidan Turbe village, Zamfara State, on Sunday.
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Witnesses said the attackers struck around 5:30 a.m., forcing dozens of people into captivity before retreating towards the forests around the Gohori axis in Tsafe Local Government Area.
The incident comes just days after a similar raid in Godai village, Bukkuyum LGA, where over 10 residents were taken, raising concerns about the fragile peace initiatives in Zamfara and neighbouring Katsina State.
Security forces have been struggling to contain abductions and violence across the Northwest. Troops under Operation Fasin Yamma recently carried out operations in Katsina, Kebbi, and Zamfara, foiling several attacks and recovering arms and ammunition.
The Zamfara Police Command confirmed that personnel had been dispatched to the affected area following distress calls, while military units engaged bandits in separate clashes across the region.
