Armed bandits have kidnapped the Chief Imam of Fangaltama village, Liman Hamisu Ali, along with five other residents during a deadly overnight raid in Zamfara State.
The attack occurred around 3:00 a.m. on Wednesday, June 18, along the Gusau–Sokoto highway in Talata Mafara Local Government Area. Sources revealed that the location of the attack was alarmingly close to a military base.
According to eyewitness accounts shared with counterinsurgency expert Zagazola Makama, the gunmen stormed the village under the cover of darkness, firing shots indiscriminately and causing widespread panic among residents.
During the violent raid, a female resident identified as Basira Abdullahi sustained gunshot injuries. She is currently receiving medical treatment, though details regarding her condition remain unclear.
"The bandits abducted six persons, including the Chief Imam of the village and five others," a local source told BenriNews.
Security operatives reportedly mobilized to the area shortly after the incident, but the attackers had already escaped with their captives before the arrival of security personnel.
This latest attack adds to the growing security concerns in Zamfara State, which has been grappling with persistent banditry and kidnapping incidents in recent years.
Rising Insecurity in Zamfara
The abduction of a religious leader highlights the boldness of bandits operating in the northwestern region. Fangaltama village and surrounding communities have increasingly become targets for armed groups who exploit the challenging terrain and limited security presence in remote areas.
Local residents have expressed growing frustration over the continued attacks despite government assurances of improved security measures. The proximity of this latest incident to a military installation has raised further questions about the effectiveness of current security strategies.
As of the time of this report, no group has claimed responsibility for the kidnapping, and there has been no demand for ransom yet.
Stay connected with BenriNews for updates on this developing story.
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