Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Gabriel Osa
Armed men suspected to be bandits have abducted several travellers during a late-night attack near Dawajah community in Gundale Ward of Shomgom Local Government Area, Gombe State, further heightening fears over growing insecurity along key transit routes in the North East. The incident, which occurred at about 1 a.m. on Sunday, involved multiple vehicles and victims drawn from different groups, including wedding convoys and local residents returning to their homes.
According to accounts from residents and community sources, the attackers emerged suddenly along the highway near Dawajah, a rural settlement located along a route frequently used by travellers moving between Bauchi, Gombe, Taraba and neighbouring states. The gunmen reportedly blocked the road, forcing vehicles to stop before seizing passengers at gunpoint. Those abducted were then taken into nearby bush paths, leaving behind abandoned vehicles and traumatised survivors.
Among the victims were members of a wedding convoy travelling from Bauchi State to Gombe for a marriage ceremony. Another group targeted during the same operation was reportedly returning from Filiya in Gombe State en route to Taraba State after attending a wedding event. Local residents who were travelling back to their communities at the time were also caught in the ambush, suggesting that the attackers did not single out a particular group but struck indiscriminately.
Eyewitnesses said the assailants were heavily armed and appeared to be familiar with the terrain, operating with speed and coordination. The attack reportedly lasted for several minutes, during which sporadic gunshots were heard, causing panic among travellers and nearby residents. Some passengers were said to have escaped by fleeing into the darkness, while others were not as fortunate and were taken away by the attackers.
By daybreak, news of the abductions had spread across surrounding communities, triggering fear and anger among residents who say such incidents are becoming increasingly frequent. Locals described the affected route as one that has grown steadily more dangerous, especially at night, due to poor security presence and limited patrols. Many travellers, they say, have little choice but to use the road because it links several communities and serves as a major passage between states in the region.
Residents of Dawajah and neighbouring villages expressed deep concern over the safety of commuters and called on security agencies to act urgently. Community leaders warned that continued attacks along the corridor could disrupt social activities, economic movement and inter-state relations, as people may begin to avoid travel altogether. They noted that weddings, religious events and family gatherings often require night travel due to long distances, making travellers particularly vulnerable.
“This has gone beyond isolated incidents. People are no longer safe on the roads, even when travelling for joyful occasions like weddings,” a resident said, describing the attack as traumatic and demoralising. Others lamented that despite repeated appeals, security coverage in the area remains thin, leaving communities exposed to armed groups who operate with apparent impunity.
While the exact number of abducted persons has yet to be officially confirmed, sources within the communities estimate that several individuals were taken during the operation. Families of the victims are said to be in distress, anxiously awaiting information and hoping for swift intervention by authorities. As of the time of reporting, there has been no confirmation of contact from the abductors or demands for ransom, a development that has further fuelled anxiety.
Gombe State has, in recent years, largely been viewed as relatively calmer compared to some neighbouring states grappling with persistent banditry and insurgency. However, residents say the latest incident underscores a worrying spread of criminal activity into areas previously considered safe. Shomgom Local Government Area, which shares borders with parts of Adamawa and Taraba states, has increasingly come under scrutiny due to its proximity to forested areas and remote settlements that can serve as hideouts for armed groups.
Security analysts note that bandit groups often exploit such border regions, taking advantage of difficult terrain and limited coordination across state lines. They warn that without sustained patrols, intelligence gathering and community engagement, attacks like the one near Dawajah could become more frequent. The timing of the assault, in the early hours of the morning, also highlights the vulnerability of night travellers and the need for improved surveillance along major routes.
Residents have appealed to the Gombe State Government, the police, the military and other security agencies to deploy additional personnel to the area and intensify patrols, particularly during nighttime hours. Some community members also called for the establishment of security checkpoints and rapid response units along the road to deter criminal activity and reassure travellers.
The incident has sparked renewed debate about road safety and the broader challenge of kidnapping in Nigeria, where abductions have become a lucrative criminal enterprise in many regions. Weddings and other social events have increasingly been targeted in recent years, as convoys are often perceived as carrying guests who may be able to raise ransom payments. This trend has led to heightened fear and changes in travel patterns, with some families now opting for daytime journeys or police escorts when available.
Local leaders in Shomgom have urged residents to remain vigilant and avoid unnecessary night travel until security improves. They also called for closer collaboration between communities and security agencies, stressing the importance of timely information sharing to prevent attacks and track criminal movements. Some youths in the area have reportedly begun organising informal vigilance efforts, though elders caution that such measures should complement, not replace, formal security interventions.
As investigations continue, the absence of an official statement from security authorities has left many questions unanswered. Residents hope that security agencies will not only pursue the abductors but also address the underlying gaps that allow such attacks to occur. For families of those taken, the immediate concern remains the safe return of their loved ones.
The abduction near Dawajah serves as a stark reminder that insecurity remains a pressing challenge, even in areas not traditionally associated with frequent bandit attacks. As communities mourn the disruption of what should have been joyous occasions, calls are growing louder for decisive action to protect lives and restore confidence on the roads of Gombe State and the wider North East.
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