- Residents of the affected communities said the heavily armed bandits often strike at night or during rainfall, taking advantage of when people are asleep
At least 150 people have been abducted in communities across Zamfara state by rampaging bandits terrorising parts of the northwest region.
The victims were abducted by the bandits in a recent wave of attacks on the communities in the past four days.
Locals disclosed that attacks were carried out in Sabon Garin Damri and Dakko Butsa (which borders Sokoto), as well as Tungar Abdu Dogo, Tungar Sarkin Daji, Sadeda, and Tungar Labi.
The spokesperson for the Zamfara State Government, Mahmud Mohammed Dantawasa, confirmed the development to the BBC, according to Daily Trust.
He, however, neither confirmed nor denied the number of people kidnapped but said the government is making efforts to rescue the victims.
Residents of the affected communities said the heavily armed bandits often strike at night or during rainfall, taking advantage of when people are asleep.
Sources said the poor condition of roads in the state is aiding the bandits, as security personnel face serious challenges reaching the affected areas promptly.
The renewed onslaughts come after a peace agreement was reached between notorious bandit leader, Bello Turji, and the federal government, which led to the release of 32 abductees and the surrender of a cache of arms.
The accord was brokered by prominent Kaduna-based Islamic cleric, Sheikh Musa Yusuf Asadus-Sunna, and his Peace Committee.