Bandits reportedly attacked a mosque in Birnin Yaro village, Shinkafi Local Government Area, Zamfara State, and abducted numerous worshippers.
According to security analyst and counter-insurgency expert Zagazola Makama, the attack was carried out by Bello Turji, a prominent bandit leader, and his armed men during Isha prayers on Sunday, January 12, 2025, about 7:30 p.m.
The attackers allegedly herded the victims into the forest. The precise number of those kidnapped is unknown. It was also reported that the bandits killed a shopkeeper in the vicinity.
According to a source, Turji may be planning to use the people as a shield against an attack on his enclave by Nigerian troops as part of Operation FANSAN YANMMA.
Recently, there has been an increase in the number of kidnappings for ransom in Nigeria’s north.
Last week, at least 46 persons, including women and children, were kidnapped in a raid on Gana in Zamfara State.
Dozens of gunmen on motorcycles allegedly attacked the area, shooting intermittently and setting fire to several homes and businesses.
In December, at least 43 people were kidnapped by gunmen in Kakidawa, Gidan Goga area, Maradun LGA.
According to witnesses, the attackers fired intermittently, leading locals to flee into adjacent woods.
They claimed that the gunmen then went house to house, abducting women and children who couldn’t flee.
A Gentle Reminder: Every obstacle is a stepping stone, every morning; a chance to go again, and those little steps take you closer to your dream.
Nnamdi Okoli