Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Gabriel Osa
Armed bandits reportedly launched a deadly attack on Moriki town in Zurmi Local Government Area of Zamfara State, leaving at least one prominent resident dead and multiple civilians abducted, residents and community sources said.
According to local accounts of the incident, which occurred on the night of February 10, 2026, the attackers — believed to be heavily armed bandits operating in the north‑west region — struck Moriki in a pre‑dawn raid. Witnesses and families in the area confirmed that Lauwali Musa Moriki, who served as the Local Government health educator, was killed during the attack.
Several other civilians, including men and women from the community and members of Moriki’s family, were reported to have been abducted by the assailants. Details regarding the number of people taken remain unclear, and there has been no immediate official confirmation of the kidnappings from security agencies. Residents expressed deep concern about the safety of those missing and the expanding pattern of violent incursions in the area.
Moriki and surrounding villages in Zurmi LGA have been repeatedly targeted by bandit groups in past years. In previous raids, armed gangs have abducted dozens of villagers, including women and children, and carried out attacks on farms, homes and unprotected communities. In August 2025, for example, at least 20 women and girls were reportedly abducted during a bandit assault on Moriki while they were gathering firewood at the outskirts of the town. Community witnesses noted that many victims were yet to be recovered at that time.
Security sources have not yet released a formal statement on the latest attack, but similar incidents in the area have drawn responses from the Zamfara Police Command and joint security patrols in the past, often involving combing operations and rescue efforts. In January 2026, security forces reportedly rescued 20 abducted villagers from the Moriki District following sustained operations in the wider area.
The renewed violence in Moriki underscores persistent insecurity in parts of Zamfara State, where bandit groups continue to exploit forested corridors and sparsely policed rural communities. Residents and local leaders have repeatedly appealed for increased security presence and targeted operations to protect civilians against marauding gangs who have become adept at hit‑and‑run attacks, kidnappings and killings.
As investigations continue and authorities assess the situation, families in the affected communities remain anxious about the fate of the kidnapped persons and demand urgent action to secure their release and prevent further attacks.
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