Suspected Bandits Abduct 46 in Violent Raid on Gana Town, Zamfara

At least 46 people, including women and children, have been abducted by suspected bandits in a violent raid on Gana town in Zamfara State, Northwest Nigeria. The attack, which left the community in turmoil, was carried out by dozens of armed men on motorbikes, who opened fire indiscriminately and set homes and businesses ablaze.

The bandits operated with impunity, terrorizing the town for hours before retreating into nearby forests with their captives. “They came in large numbers and started shooting. People ran in all directions, but they still managed to take many of our loved ones,” said a local resident.

A traditional leader, who wished to remain anonymous, confirmed the abductions and revealed that many of the victims were women and children. He also criticized the lack of security presence in the area, calling the attack a “devastating blow” to the community.

This incident follows a similar mass kidnapping in Zamfara last month, adding to growing concerns about worsening insecurity in the region despite ongoing military operations aimed at curbing banditry.

Local sources indicated that the number of abductions could still rise. Bala Harauma, a resident, suggested the total could be higher as some victims managed to escape while being moved early on Monday morning. Yusuf Mohammed, another resident, reported that the attackers also set fire to numerous homes and food storage silos, further exacerbating the community’s suffering.

A traditional leader, Alhaji Garba Haure, acknowledged the efforts of government forces in preventing the entire town from being destroyed but confirmed that 46 people had been abducted, with some reports suggesting that the figure could rise. He also noted that some captives taken during a previous attack in December were later released after a ransom was paid.

Efforts to reach the Zamfara police for comment on the latest attack were unsuccessful, as calls and texts to the police spokesperson went unanswered.

Zamfara State, along with neighboring regions in Northwest Nigeria, continues to be plagued by violent attacks from armed bandit groups who engage in widespread kidnappings, killings, and theft, often targeting residents, farmers, students, and motorists. Many of these abductions are carried out for ransom.