In Zamfara State, bandits have refused a ₦3 million ransom offered for the release of 26 villagers abducted from Gidan-Goga in Maradun Local Government Area.
Contrary to earlier reports suggesting 50 captives, local resident Abubakar Shehu clarified that 19 females and six males were taken during the attack. Among the abductees are Shehu’s three daughters, one of whom was preparing for marriage.
Shehu recounted that the community raised ₦3 million to secure the victims’ freedom. However, upon contacting the bandit leader, they were dismissed, with the leader stating the amount was insufficient before disconnecting the call. Subsequent attempts to reach him have been unsuccessful.
The community has been under persistent threat from bandits operating from nearby camps. Despite reporting the incidents to local security agencies, residents claim no effective action has been taken. Many villagers have fled due to the ongoing attacks, while others, like Shehu, remain due to lack of alternatives.
Efforts to obtain comments from Zamfara State Commissioner of Police, Mohammed Shehu Dalijan, were unsuccessful as he did not respond to calls.
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