46 kidnapped in Zamfara as gunmen attack Gana town

No fewer than 46 individuals, including women and children, have been abducted in Gana town, Zamfara State, during a violent attack on Sunday night.

Residents reported that the incident occurred around 10 p.m. when dozens of gunmen on motorcycles stormed the community, setting fire to homes and businesses.

Although authorities are yet to release an official statement, a traditional leader, Alhaji Garba Haure, confirmed the incident to Reuters, describing the scale of destruction and the trauma experienced by the affected residents.

“We have 46 men, women and children that have been abducted altogether, and are still counting,” Haure said.

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He said the quick intervention of government security forces prevented the assailants from setting the entire town ablaze, adding that no life was lost in the attack.

But another resident, Bala Harauma, told Reuters that the actual number of abducted people could be higher.

“Six people managed to escape while the armed gang moved the captives in the early hours of Monday,” Harauma said.

Another resident, Yusuf Mohammed, explained that the bandits set ablaze dozens of houses and silos containing foodstuff.

The Northwest has been experiencing a severe security crisis, with terrorist and bandit groups wreaking havoc on local communities.

These groups have been responsible for a multitude of violent attacks, resulting in significant loss of life and widespread kidnappings.