Bandits in Zamfara State have refused to accept a ₦3 million ransom for the release of 26 abducted villagers from Gidan-Goga in Maradun Local Government Area.
Abubakar Shehu, a local resident whose three daughters are among the abductees, revealed the development during a phone interview on Monday. He clarified that 26 individuals, including 19 females and six males, were taken in the attack, contrary to earlier reports of 50 victims. Among the abductees is one of Shehu’s daughters, who had been preparing for her wedding.
“We managed to raise ₦3 million to offer to the bandits, but they rejected it,” Shehu lamented. “Their leader dismissed us when we informed him of the amount, saying we were not serious. He then switched off his phone, and we have been unable to contact him since.”
The attack occurred on Sunday, with the bandits targeting the village and taking the hostages. According to Shehu, the group initially demanded a ransom but did not specify an amount.
Persistent Banditry in Gidan-Goga
The Gidan-Goga community has endured repeated attacks by bandits, who are said to operate from nearby camps. Many residents have fled the area due to the ongoing violence, though some, like Shehu, remain out of necessity.
Despite notifying local security agencies about the attack, Shehu claims no action has been taken. “We reported the incident to the authorities, but there has been no response. This is not the first time we’ve been attacked,” he said.
Efforts to reach Zamfara State Commissioner of Police, Mohammed Shehu Dalijan, for comments have been unsuccessful, as calls went unanswered.
The situation highlights the continued insecurity in Zamfara, with communities like Gidan-Goga living in constant fear and struggling to find solutions to the persistent threat of banditry.
