Gunmen Abduct Over 100 Women and Children in Deadly Zamfara Attack
More than 100 people, mostly women and children, have been abducted by armed gunmen in Zamfara State, Nigeria, during a deadly attack that left at least two people dead, according to local officials and community leaders.
Attack on Gamdum Mallam Village
The attackers, riding dozens of motorbikes, stormed Gamdum Mallam village in Adafka, Bukkuyum, around midday on Saturday. Witnesses said the gunmen fired indiscriminately while terrorizing residents.
Village head Muhammadu Mai Anguwa confirmed the incident:
“They killed and kidnapped many women and children, and took them towards Makakari forest,” he told Reuters.
Victims Targeted and Villages Raided
Local resident Huzaifa Isa explained that the assailants split into two groups — one abducting villagers and livestock, while the other mounted a roadblock at Adafka’s entrance, shooting at anyone attempting to escape.
Another community member described the ordeal:
“We were being treated like slaves in our own land, as if there is no government.”
The bandits later raided Nasarawa Burkullum under heavy rainfall before crossing into nearby villages, where they abducted 46 more people in Ruwan Rana village.
Rising Insecurity in Zamfara
Local lawmaker Hamisu Faru confirmed the attack by phone, saying:
“At least 100 people have been abducted since Saturday morning.”
Zamfara State has long been the epicentre of banditry and kidnappings in northwest Nigeria, where farming and travel have become increasingly dangerous.
According to SBM Intelligence, between July 2024 and June 2025, at least 4,722 people were abducted in the region.
Authorities Yet to Respond
Residents fear renewed attacks as armed groups reportedly attempt to cross into forest boundaries once again. The Zamfara State Police have not yet issued an official response regarding the incident.
Source: My News Ghana
