Bandits on Rampage, Abduct Over 50 People In Zamfara, Kill 10 in Niger
Bandits on Wednesday abducted over 50 persons at Wanke and Gurusu villages of Gusau and Gummi Local Government Areas of Zamfara State.
Locals said the victims were abducted in Wanke and environs while working on their farms; and three others, along the Anka-Gurusu road in Anka Local Government Area of the state.
A resident of Kwalfada, a village neighbouring Wanke, said the kidnapped victims were abducted from their respective farms.
And in Niger State, at least 10 farmers from Wayam and Belu-Belu villages in Rafi Local Government Area were killed by bandits.
Residents said six of the victims were beheaded and the attackers went away with their heads.
How the Zamfara attack occurred
Speaking on the incident in Zamfara, a local said: “The victims were working on their farms when suddenly the bandits appeared on motorbikes and abducted them at gunpoint. They asked them to get on the motorbikes and they were taken away.
“Any attempt by the kidnapped persons to escape will cost them their lives because the bandits are now very angry with the people. They are angry because they are being killed by soldiers almost on a daily basis.
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“We also learnt that the bandits have placed levies on various villages. For instance, the bandits’ leader that succeeded Kachalla Halilu Sububu, Kachalla Mati, has placed N50 million levy on Kawaye village and the residents have only two weeks to pay the amount or have their village sacked.
“Also, a bandit leader Dan Yusuf, younger brother to another renowned bandits’ leader, Ado Alleiro has placed a levy of over N100 million which he shared among different villages across the western part of Tsafe Local Government Area”, the source said.
The source added: “Residents of Kucheri village are to pay N20 million, Kwalfada, N7 million, Magazawa, N7 million, Barebari, N7 million, Bilbis, N20 million, Danjibga, N20m million, Keita, N20 million and Kunchin Kalgo, N20 million.
“The issue of levy is an annual thing in this part of the state. During every harvest period, the bandits place levies on villagers because they know they have either sold their farm produce or kept it in the silos. In other words, they know that the locals have money or something which they can sell off to pay the levies”, the source added.
Speaking to the BBC Hausa Service, a villager who confirmed the incident said: “We are living in agony, not knowing what has happened to our loved ones. No one has contacted us with any information about their condition.
“At least 50 people were abducted, including an imam. This is the second time gunmen have taken the imam—he was previously abducted alongside his associates, but was later released. Of the 50 victims, only seven are men; the others are women and children”, the resident said.
