Six passengers were abducted on Tuesday morning when armed assailants attacked a Golf car, setting the vehicle ablaze and raising tensions among residents and commuters in the area.
The incident occurred along a major road in Shinkafi Local Government Area, where the armed men reportedly blocked the road, forcing the vehicle to halt before abducting its occupants. Eyewitnesses confirmed the vehicle was set on fire following the abduction.
A resident, speaking under anonymity due to security concerns, stated, “Six travellers were abducted and their vehicle was set ablaze. We don’t know if it was Turji’s group, but he had recently threatened residents of Shinkafi and surrounding communities.”
The attack comes less than a week after notorious bandit leader Bello Turji issued a warning to unleash violence in Shinkafi, Zurmi, and other local communities in Zamfara and Sokoto states as the New Year began. The threats have heightened fears among locals, who are calling on the government to intensify efforts to curb the activities of bandit groups.
Residents in the affected areas have expressed growing concern over the persistent insecurity. Many are urging authorities to take decisive action to protect lives and restore peace in the region.
Efforts to reach the spokesperson of the Zamfara State Police Command, ASP Yazid Abubakar, for a response have been unsuccessful at the time of reporting.
The escalating violence underscores the urgent need for increased security measures in Zamfara and neighboring states, as communities grapple with the growing threat of banditry.
