- Bandits kidnap villagers in Zamfara, leaving the community terrified.
- Locals say the bandits kidnap victims during an overnight raid that overpowered vigilantes.
- Families anxiously wait for calls as bandits kidnap women, children, and elderly.
- Residents plead for government intervention after bandits kidnap victims in repeated attacks.
Panic and heartbreak have gripped Sabo village and neighbouring Sado community in Talata Mafara Local Government Area of Zamfara State after armed bandits stormed the area and abducted more than 16 residents.
The attack took place on Wednesday, November 6, 2025. According to villagers, the assailants invaded without warning, overwhelming local vigilantes who had been monitoring the area for several days following rumours of an impending raid.
ATTENTION: Click “HERE” to join our WhatsApp group and receive News updates directly on your WhatsApp!
READ ALSO: 25 Year Old Husband Arrested in Sokoto for Alleged Murder of 15 Year Old Wife
“They came quietly and in large numbers,” Sado district head, Aliyu Saidu, explained. “The vigilantes tried to resist them, but they were outnumbered.”
Saidu confirmed that the bandits kidnapped women, children, and elderly persons. He also stated that the number of abducted victims may increase, as many residents are still missing and search efforts are ongoing.
For some families, the nightmare became personal when calls went unanswered.
Alhaji Ibrahim Shehu, a resident, said he realised something was wrong when he tried to reach his friend.
“I called him several times, no response. Later, I found out he was taken, together with his wife,” he said.
This is not the first attack on the community. Last year, bandits abducted the village head, Aliyu Sa’idu, forcing him to relocate due to trauma from the incident.
Following the latest abduction, residents gathered in fear at the village square, awaiting possible ransom calls. The emotional strain is visible, families are scattered, confused, and terrified of what comes next.
A relative of one of the kidnapped victims, Umar Rabiu, pleaded with authorities: “We need help. Please, let them rescue our family members.”
READ ALSO: Angry Mob Kills Chief Imam for Allegedly Causing Man’s Death
The attack comes just weeks after another incident where bandits abducted six butchers and livestock traders returning from Magajin Maitarko market. One of their relatives, Ishiaku Umar, said the assailants blocked the road and opened fire before escaping with the victims.
Across Zamfara, communities are exhausted and running out of hope as abductions continue without meaningful government intervention.
