Over 16 residents of Sabo village, Murai ward, Talata Mafara Local Government Area of Zamfara State have reportedly been abducted by armed bandits, DAILY GAZETTE learned.
The incident occurred on Wednesday, November 6, 2025, amid heightened vigilance by local community vigilantes.
Youths from neighboring Gidan Matan Aure village had mobilized to protect their own settlement, anticipating attacks on nearby communities.
A villager, Muhammad Usman, confirmed that the bandits stormed Sado village without warning, overwhelming the local vigilantes due to their superior numbers. Sado district head, Aliyu Saidu, said:
“The vigilantes did their best to repel the attack, but the bandits overpowered them. So far, 16 people have been kidnapped, including women, children, and the elderly. We are still trying to account for everyone.”
One source, Alhaji Ibrahim Shehu Sado, shared the personal toll of the raid:
“I received a call about the attack and immediately thought of my friend Nasiru, who had left my shop the previous night. I tried calling him, but there was no response. He and his wife have been taken.”
This marks the second major attack on the community since last year, when bandits abducted the village head, Aliyu Sa’idu, prompting him to relocate temporarily to Morai due to trauma.
Residents are now living in fear, gathering in the village square and anxiously awaiting possible calls from the kidnappers.
Families displaced by the raid are scattered across nearby areas, with many uncertain about the fate of their loved ones.
Umar Rabiu, whose elder brother was among those abducted, appealed to authorities:
“We are urging the government and security forces to intervene and rescue the victims.”
This latest attack comes weeks after bandits abducted six butchers and animal dealers returning from Magajin Maitarko market along Dogon Santsi forest in Gusau Local Government Area.
A relative of the victims, Ishiaku Umar, described the ordeal:
“The bandits blocked the Gusau – Dansadau road on Friday evening. One victim was left behind, and another is now in critical condition. The kidnappers even contacted the victims using their mobile numbers.”
