Reported by: Oahimire Omone Precious | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
A fresh wave of grief has swept through Zamfara State following the abduction of Barrister Hashimu Abdullahi Matseri, who was seized by suspected bandits along the Anka–Zuru road on Sunday evening, June 28, 2026. The attack, which occurred around 6 p.m., has left family members and the community in anguish, adding to the growing list of victims in Nigeria's escalating kidnapping crisis.
According to reports, the lawyer was travelling along the Anka–Zuru highway when armed gunmen intercepted his vehicle and abducted him. The Anka–Zuru corridor, which connects Zamfara State to parts of Kebbi State, has become a notorious hotspot for bandit attacks, with travellers and commuters increasingly falling victim to kidnappings and armed robberies. The route is frequently used by transporters and traders moving between Zamfara and the North-West region, making it a prime target for criminal syndicates.
The abduction of Barrister Matseri comes just days after a series of similar incidents in the region. On June 11, 2026, operatives of the Zamfara State Police Command rescued six kidnapped victims following a gun battle with bandits along the Anka–Gurusu Road, a nearby corridor that has also witnessed repeated attacks. In another operation on June 14, police rescued three additional victims along the Gurusu–Anka Road, underscoring the persistent security challenges plaguing the area.
The Anka–Zuru road has long been a dangerous route, with residents and travellers calling for increased security patrols and surveillance. The latest abduction highlights the growing vulnerability of commuters and the apparent inability of security agencies to secure the region's highways. Despite ongoing military operations, including the deployment of troops under Operation Fansan Yamma, bandits continue to operate with impunity, blocking roads, abducting travellers, and demanding ransom.
Local sources expressed deep concern over the incident, noting that the abduction occurred despite the heavy presence of security forces in the area. Residents have called on the federal and Zamfara State governments to intensify efforts to secure the roads and rescue the victims. As of the time of this report, no group had claimed responsibility for the abduction, and security authorities had not issued an official statement. Efforts to reach the Zamfara State Police Command for comment were unsuccessful, as calls to the command's spokesperson went unanswered.
For the family of Barrister Hashimu Abdullahi Matseri, the wait for news continues. As one resident lamented, "Another family will spend the night in anguish, praying for the safe return of a loved one. The relentless wave of kidnappings continues to leave communities living in fear and uncertainty." May he return home safely, and may this nightmare end for Nigeria.
📩 Stone Reporters News | 🌍 stonereportersnews.com
✉️ info@stonereportersnews.com | 📘 Facebook: Stone Reporters News | 🐦 X (Twitter): @StoneReportNew | 📸 Instagram: @stonereportersnews
Add comment
Comments