By Emmanuel Kwada
A devastating late-night attack on Gana town in Zamfara State has left at least 46 people, including women and children, abducted by armed gunmen. The raid, which occurred around 10 p.m. on Sunday, saw the attackers storm the area on motorcycles, firing indiscriminately and setting homes and businesses ablaze.
Eyewitnesses described the scene as chaotic, with residents fleeing into nearby bushes to evade the attackers. The gunmen reportedly carried out a house-to-house search, abducting individuals who were unable to escape, primarily targeting women and children.
This incident follows a similar attack in Kakidawa, Gidan Goga district of Maradun Local Government Area, where 43 people were abducted last month. The northern region of Nigeria has seen a rise in kidnappings for ransom, with criminals increasingly targeting vulnerable communities.
The raid, which occurred around 10 p.m. on Sunday, saw the attackers storm the area on motorcycles, firing indiscriminately and setting homes and businesses ablaze
The surge in violence has heightened concerns over the safety and security of residents in Zamfara and neighboring states. Although the Nigerian military has intensified efforts to combat terrorism in Zamfara, successfully neutralizing several terrorists in Tsafe Local Government Area last month and launching airstrikes on hideouts, the region continues to grapple with persistent security challenges, including kidnappings and armed banditry.
The abduction of 46 people in Gana town has sent shockwaves throughout the community, with many calling for increased security measures to protect residents from such attacks. The Nigerian government has been urged to take decisive action to address the growing insecurity in the region and ensure the safe release of the abducted individuals.
