Bandits abduct 5 in fresh attack on Zamfara Community

Bandits struck Tsafe town, the administrative center of Zamfara State's Tsafe Local Government Area, in a nighttime raid, kidnapping five individuals, comprising women, according to sources. A local resident, who wished to remain anonymous, recounted the attackers' arrival around 1am and their sporadic gunfire within the town's core.

The individual had been alerted by a friend and neighbor, who had heard the gunfire. Upon waking, he heard the gunfire as well and learned of the abduction through these calls. The bandits targeted two households - one belonging to Lamidi, the Yoruba father of a former Senator's Chief of Staff, and another to Nura Sani, a Senior Special Assistant to the Governor.

In the later house, the bandits were unsuccessful. Another local resident also spoke on condition of anonymity, explaining that the town has been under a curfew since the previous week's attack. This curfew, starting at 10pm, was in response to a similar incident. The two areas targeted by the bandits lacked local vigilantes and security checkpoints, making them more vulnerable.

The Tsafe Local Government Area Chairman, Hon. Garba Shehu Fanchas, confirmed the attack and the five abductions. He praised the efforts of security forces and local vigilantes in thwarting the bandits. Fanchas revealed that despite the town being blocked by security personnel and vigilantes, the bandits found an unexpected route and entered the town's heart.

He also confirmed the rescue of six people by the army and the state security outfit, Askarawa, though no casualties were reported from the bandits. Fanchas urged for further deployment of security personnel to ensure the safety of Tsafe town and surrounding communities.