Gunmen killed at least two people and abducted over 100, mostly women and children, in Zamfara State, Nigeria. The attackers stormed Gamdum Mallam in Adafka around midday Saturday, riding dozens of motorbikes and firing indiscriminately, villagers said. “They killed and kidnapped many women and children, and took them towards Makakari forest,” village head Muhammadu Mai Anguwa told Reuters.
Residents described chaos as the assailants split into two groups, one kidnapping people and livestock, the other blocking the main road. “We were being treated like slaves in our own land, as if there is no government,” said Huzaifa Isa, a survivor.
Local lawmaker Hamisu Faru confirmed the incident, saying at least 100 people were abducted since Saturday morning across several villages. The attackers reportedly moved under heavy rain, crossing rivers and seizing 46 more people in Ruwan Rana village, Faru added.
Zamfara, in northwest Nigeria, has become the epicentre of bandit attacks, making travel and farming extremely dangerous for locals. Between July 2024 and June 2025, at least 4,722 people were abducted in Zamfara, according to SBM Intelligence, highlighting a growing crisis.
Residents fear further assaults as the armed group is reportedly attempting to cross forest boundaries again, raising urgent safety concerns. Zamfara police did not immediately respond to requests for comment, leaving communities in anxious uncertainty over security measures.