Terrorists have abducted several travellers along the Wanzamai–Magazu Road in Tsafe Local Government Area of Zamfara State.
According to Bellnews, the assailants carried out their nefarious act on Tuesday evening as Muslims were preparing to break their fast in the holy month of Ramadan.
Witnesses said the armed assailants barricaded the busy rural route linking Wanzamai and Magazu communities in Tsafe, stopping unsuspecting motorists and whisking away passengers at gunpoint.
Confirming the development via a security alert, a source, Bakatsine, disclosed that the terrorists intercepted two vehicles and forcefully took all the occupants hostage.
“Terrorists suspected to be bandits set up a roadblock along Wanzamai–Magazu road in Tsafe LGA of Zamfara State, abducting several civilians,” the alert stated.
Bakatsine added, “The attackers intercepted two vehicles and took all the passengers hostage, further deepening the insecurity crisis in the area.”
Reacting to the incident, Bakatsine lamented the continued bloodshed and abductions, especially during a sacred period observed by millions of Muslims worldwide.
“It is both heartbreaking and alarming that such attacks continue unabated, even during the holy month of Ramadan, a period meant for peace, reflection and compassion,” he said.
He questioned the state of security in the country, noting that innocent citizens can no longer travel freely without fear.
“What does it say about the state of security in our nation when innocent Muslims and other Nigerians cannot travel safely, even while observing one of the most sacred months in Islam? How long will citizens continue to endure this kind of brutality and fear at the hands of bandits?” he asked.
Zamfara State has for years been at the epicentre of banditry in Nigeria’s North-West, with armed groups frequently attacking villages, imposing illegal levies on residents, rustling cattle and abducting travellers and students for ransom.
The Wanzamai–Magazu axis, like several other rural routes in Tsafe LGA, has reportedly become a hotspot for ambushes, as terrorists exploit poor security presence and vast forested areas to carry out attacks.
As of the time of filing this report, there was no official statement from security agencies regarding efforts to rescue the abducted victims or track down the perpetrators.