Bandits strike Zamfara village, abduct couple, loot food store

Armed individuals believed to be bandits reportedly raided Madabanciya community in Zamfara State’s Bungudu Local Government Area on Sunday night, abducting a recently married couple. According to Mallam Ibrahim Madabanciya, a villager, the assailants arrived on foot around 11:45 pm, leaving their motorcycles outside the village. The well-armed bandits, numbering in large groups, entered the village and began shooting indiscriminately to instill fear among the residents.

Madabanciya explained that the bandits systematically went from house to house, looting food items and valuables. Animals, substantial quantities of food, and other valuables were stolen without encountering any resistance from security forces. As they traversed the village, they encountered a newlywed couple, whom they subsequently abducted and took into the forest.

The villagers siad the absence of security personnel to safeguard the lives and property of the residents. Unfortunately, the State Police Command’s spokesman, ASP Yazid Abubakar, could not be reached for comment at the time of this report.

In response to the escalating security challenges, the State Government disclosed its plan to launch Community Protection Guards on Wednesday, January 31, 2024. These guards will be deployed to their respective localities to collaborate with security forces in combating banditry.

Zamfara State has been grappling with frequent terrorist attacks for over a decade, resulting in significant loss of life and numerous abductions. Notably, in December 2023, bandits attacked Zurmi town, the headquarters of Zurmi Local Government Area, leading to one fatality, two injuries, and the abduction of 15 individuals.