Gunmen Kill Two, Abduct Over 100 in Zamfara Raid

GUNMEN have killed at least two people and abducted more than 100 others, mostly women and children, during an attack in Zamfara State, north-west Nigeria, according to local officials and community leaders.

Zamfara has become the epicentre of bandit attacks in the region, where armed groups have made both travel and farming increasingly dangerous. Between July 2024 and June 2025, at least 4,722 people were abducted, figures from SBM Intelligence reveal.

The latest incident occurred around midday on Saturday, when attackers stormed the village of Gamdum Mallam in Adafka, Bukkuyum Local Government Area, riding dozens of motorbikes and firing indiscriminately, said village head Muhammadu Mai Anguwa.

“They killed and kidnapped many women and children, and took them towards Makakari forest,” he told Reuters.

A resident, Huzaifa Isa, said the assailants split into two groups. “One group was kidnapping people and livestock, while the other set up a roadblock at Adafka’s main entrance, shooting at anyone who tried to pass,” he said.

“We are being treated like slaves in our own land, as if there is no government.”

Local lawmaker Hamisu Faru also confirmed the incident. “At least 100 people have been abducted since Saturday morning,” he said by phone.

He added that the bandits attacked Nasarawa Burkullum under heavy rain, crossed a river into nearby villages, and abducted 46 more people in Ruwan Rana.

Residents fear further raids, as the armed group is reportedly attempting to cross into the forest boundary again.

Zamfara State police have yet to respond to requests for comment.

Source: Reuters