Bandits Kill 5, Kidnap Imam, 40 Others During Prayer in Zamfara

Suspected bandits have reportedly killed five worshippers and kidnap about forty others, including an Iman in Zamfara State.

According to Daily Nigerian, the incident reportedly occurred over the weekend.

Mallam Yahaya alongside forty other worshippers were taken hostage during Juma’at prayers at a mosque in Kanoma.

The bandits stormed the prayer centre with tens of motorbikes, shooting sporadically and caused a stampede as the cleric stopped the prayer session.

Mallam Yahaya and others seized were forcefully loaded on the bikes and transported into the bush.

However, the and some other abducted worshippers were released.

Meanwhile, Mohammed Shehu, Public Relations Officer of Zamfara Police Command, stated that an update on the incident would be provided later on.

Kanoma is mostly targeted by kidnappers due to the high number of rich sugarcane farmers in the community.