Reported by: Oahimire Omone Precious | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
Armed bandits have launched coordinated attacks on two major routes in Zamfara State, killing at least one person and abducting several travelers in separate incidents that further underscore the worsening insecurity across northwestern Nigeria.
The first attack occurred on the Janbako–Maradun road in Maradun Local Government Area, where armed men reportedly blocked the highway in the afternoon, stopping vehicles and opening fire on unsuspecting travelers. During the assault, one person was killed, while several others were forcefully taken away by the attackers to an unknown location.
Witnesses said the bandits emerged from surrounding bushes, halting traffic for several minutes as terrified commuters attempted to flee. Some passengers reportedly abandoned their vehicles and ran into nearby fields, while others were taken hostage before the gunmen retreated into the forest.
In a separate but closely timed incident, another group of armed men intercepted vehicles along the Gurusu–Anka road in Anka Local Government Area. The attackers specifically targeted phone vendors who were returning from Nasarawar Bukkuyyum market in Bukkuyum Local Government Area after completing their daily trading activities.
According to local accounts, the bandits stopped the convoy of vehicles and ordered passengers out at gunpoint before selecting several individuals and taking them away. The exact number of abducted persons has not yet been officially confirmed, but sources in the area say multiple victims were taken during the raid.
The two attacks, occurring within hours of each other, have heightened fear among residents and commuters who rely on the affected roads for daily movement and commercial activities. The routes are commonly used by traders, farmers, and transport operators, making them frequent targets for armed groups operating in the region.
Security presence in the affected areas was reportedly slow to respond, as the attackers had already escaped into nearby forests before reinforcements arrived. Local vigilante groups and community members were later seen assisting in rescue and search efforts for missing persons.
Zamfara State has remained one of the epicenters of armed banditry in northwestern Nigeria, with recurring attacks involving kidnappings for ransom, cattle rustling, and assaults on rural communities and highways. Despite ongoing military operations and security deployments, several remote and forested areas continue to serve as operational bases for armed groups.
In recent years, bandits operating in Zamfara and neighboring states such as Katsina, Kaduna, and Sokoto have increasingly targeted highways, exploiting weak surveillance and difficult terrain to carry out ambushes. These attacks have disrupted transportation, reduced commercial activity, and forced many communities to rely on informal security arrangements.
Residents of Maradun and Anka LGAs say the latest incidents reflect a growing sense of vulnerability, as travelers now face heightened risks even on routes previously considered relatively accessible. Many have called for increased security patrols, surveillance operations, and permanent checkpoints along major roads in the state.
Community leaders in the affected areas are also urging government authorities to intensify efforts to dismantle bandit networks operating in nearby forests, which are believed to serve as hideouts and transit routes for kidnapped victims.
As of the time of reporting, there has been no official statement from security agencies regarding the exact number of abducted persons or the status of rescue operations. Families of the victims are reportedly in distress, awaiting updates on their loved ones.
The twin attacks add to a growing list of violent incidents in Zamfara State, highlighting the persistent security challenges confronting the region and the urgent need for sustained intervention to restore safety along rural and inter-community roads.
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