The Digest:
In the latest wave of violence, armed bandits have abducted at least 26 people, mostly women, in Zurmi Local Government Area, Zamfara State. The attack follows another deadly raid in nearby Kaura Namoda, reigniting concerns over rising insecurity in the region.
Key Points:
- Bandits abducted 24 people across Zurmi town, Dada, and Gidan Shaho, with one person injured during the attack.
- In the previous 24 hours, bandits attacked 16 villages, killing five people and abducting many others.
- Unlike previous raids, the bandits in Zurmi acted silently, avoiding gunfire and catching residents by surprise.
- Some abducted individuals were released by the bandits without ransom, as they had worked for them in the past.
- Abductees are often used for forced labor on the bandits' farms, with resistance leading to harsh punishment.
- Despite ongoing military operations, banditry continues to surge in the region, with many fleeing from other affected areas like Sabon Birni and Isa in Sokoto state.
- Experts warn that without a long-term strategy, military crackdowns will only displace bandits, who adapt to the situation and continue their activities.
The escalating wave of banditry in Zamfara, exacerbated by military offensives in neighboring states, highlights the complexity of the security situation. Until a comprehensive and sustained approach is taken, the threat of violence remains a grave concern.
Sources: Daily Trust
