In a recent attack, terrorists blocked the Gusau-Sokoto highway in Zamfara State, Nigeria, abducting at least 30 travellers. The incident occurred on Monday evening at around 7:40pm in Kwanar Sado, near Talata Mafara town. According to a resident who wished to remain anonymous, the terrorists mounted a roadblock and intercepted three vehicles, taking 30 passengers into the bush.
An eyewitness, a commercial motorcyclist who also chose to remain anonymous, described the scene. He stated that all passengers from the three vehicles were abducted. The motorcyclist explained that they stopped after someone signalled them, along with other vehicles, until a military vehicle arrived from Mafara and cleared the road. However, the passengers had already been taken by the terrorists.
A vigilante from Talata Mafara, speaking on condition of anonymity, provided insight into the possible motives behind the attack. He mentioned that motorists had been warned not to use the road in the evening after terrorists were spotted returning from a wedding ceremony around Sado village. The vigilante suggested that the terrorists may have hid near two quarry sites in the area and waited for the evening to launch their attack.
The Gusau-Sokoto highway has become a dangerous route, especially during evening and early morning hours. The vigilante noted that the terrorists have several camps close to the Bakalori Dam in Talata Mafara. This incident is part of a series of attacks on the corridor. Last week, bandits blocked the road and abducted over 26 travellers from an 18-seater bus and a Volkswagen Golf vehicle.
Residents are calling on the federal and Zamfara State governments to deploy security outposts at flashpoints to curb criminal activity. The Gusau-Sokoto highway has been a target for terrorists and bandits due to its strategic location. The repeated attacks have raised concerns about the safety of travellers and the effectiveness of current security measures.
Efforts to confirm the incident through official channels were unsuccessful. The spokesperson of the Zamfara State Police Command, DSP Yazid Abubakar, and the Media officer of Operation Fansan Yamma, Lt. Col. Aliyu Danja, did not respond to calls seeking confirmation of the incident. The lack of official response has left residents and travellers worried about the security situation.
The abduction of 30 travellers highlights the growing insecurity in Zamfara State and the need for increased security presence. The incident has also raised concerns about the terrorists' ability to operate freely in the area.
Key points
- The terrorists have several camps close to the Bakalori Dam in Talata Mafara.
- The Gusau-Sokoto highway has become one of the most dangerous routes to ply, especially in the evening and early morning hours.
- Residents have appealed to the federal and Zamfara State governments to deploy security outposts at flashpoints to curb criminal activity.
