Armed men on motorcycles attacked the village of Sabongarin Damri in northwest Nigeria on Saturday, resulting in the deaths of at least 11 people and the kidnapping of 70 others, including women and children. The assault occurred late in the day, with witnesses describing a chaotic scene as the assailants opened fire indiscriminately.
According to resident Isa Sani, the attackers rode into the village, shooting randomly and abducting numerous individuals. “They came on motorcycles, shooting randomly before abducting our daughters and children. As of today, we haven’t heard anything from them. Everywhere is quiet,” Sani told Reuters.
Survivor Sufiyanu Ibrahim recounted the horrifying experience, stating that he was shot in the leg during the attack as his wife was taken by the assailants. “There was gunshots everywhere … I narrowly escaped,” he shared, confirming the grim toll of at least 11 fatalities.
Violence and Kidnappings in Zamfara State
The area has been plagued by violence from groups commonly referred to as “bandits,” who have been responsible for hundreds of deaths and numerous kidnappings in recent years. Zamfara State has emerged as a hotspot for such criminal activities, which often disrupt farming and travel, leading to widespread displacement.
The traditional chief of Sabongarin Damri, Shehu Musa, verified that more than 60 individuals were abducted, including vulnerable women and children. Local police have not yet responded to requests for further details regarding the incident.
Kidnappings for ransom have become increasingly common in northern Nigeria, tearing families apart and creating financial burdens for the communities affected. Many families are forced to pool their resources to pay ransoms, often selling land, livestock, and grain to secure the release of their loved ones. This ongoing crisis highlights the urgent need for increased security measures and effective law enforcement in the region.
The violence in Zamfara State serves as a stark reminder of the broader challenges facing Nigeria, where the threat of kidnapping and armed attacks continues to disrupt lives and livelihoods.
