Terrorists Storm Zamfara Mosque, Abduct Worshippers During Prayers
A group of terrorists have abducted at least three Muslim worshippers during early morning prayers at a mosque in Dansadau District of the Maru Local Government Area of Zamfara State.
Security sources disclosed that the attack occurred around 6am on Sunday, September 7, when gunmen invaded Yarlaluka community and disrupted prayers.
The victims, identified as Dan Asabe Alhaji Garba Akarya and two others, were whisked away at gunpoint.
Sources said that the attackers operated freely without resistance, further underscoring the worsening insecurity in Zamfara despite repeated claims by authorities that banditry is being curtailed.
Security operatives later stormed the area and reportedly arrested six suspects linked to the abduction.
According to official sources, the suspects are currently undergoing interrogation.
“At least three persons have been abducted by armed bandits while observing morning prayers in Maru Local Government Area.
“Zagazola learnt that the incident occurred on September 7 at about 5:55 a.m., when gunmen stormed a mosque at Yarlaluka area of Dansadau District and whisked away one Dan Asabe Alhaji Garba Akarya and two others.
“Security operatives visited the scene and arrested six suspects in connection with the attack.
“The suspects are currently undergoing investigation,” it said.
Recall that terrorists had earlier carried out coordinated assaults on several communities in Zamfara State, abducting scores of residents, looting valuables, and forcing hundreds of terrified villagers to flee their homes in mass displacement.
It was gathered that the incidents occurred in Yan Uku community under Garbadu Ward, Talata Mafara Local Government Area, and spread to neighbouring villages, including Farin Dutse.
A resident who spoke under condition of anonymity said his elder brother, identified as Muhammadu Lakada, was abducted at about 8 p.m. on Tuesday after returning from the market.
“This is the second time in one year they are taking him away. He was abducted last year around this same period,” he said.
“Yesterday, they came again, took him, his son, and another neighbour, Lauwali. They later released his son but told him to report back home with a phone number.”
According to him, the attackers had robbed Lakada days earlier, stripping him of his shoes, cap, and new clothes before returning to carry out the abduction.
The fresh wave of attacks has triggered mass displacement as villagers flee to neighbouring towns and even out of the state entirely.
The terrorists later returned on Wednesday evening in broad daylight, raiding Farin Dutse and other surrounding settlements at about 5pm, abducting more people and moving them into the bush without resistance.
“Majority of the villagers have already migrated. I got a call from someone saying bandits were sighted in nearby villages, so people are abandoning their homes to save their lives. Many will not sleep in their houses tonight,” another resident said.
Hafsoh Isiaq is a graduate of Linguistics. An avid writer committed to creative, high-quality research and news reportage. She has considerable experience in writing and reporting across a variety of platforms including print and online.
