Some suspected bandits reportedly assaulted a mosque in Birnin Yaro village, Zamfara state, and kidnapped numerous worshippers.
According to Zagazola Makama, a counter-insurgency journal centred on Lake Chad, the attack was commanded by Bello Turji, a known warlord, and his armed men during Friday night’s Isha prayers.
The attackers allegedly herded the victims into the forest. The precise number of those kidnapped is unknown.
In recent years, the number of kidnappings for ransom in Nigeria’s northern area has increased dramatically.
Last week, at least 46 individuals, including women and children, were kidnapped in a raid on Gana, Zamfara state.
Dozens of gunmen on motorcycles allegedly stormed the village, firing intermittently and setting fire to several homes and businesses.
In December, gunmen abducted at least 43 people in Kakidawa, Gidan Goga area, Maradun LGA, the state.
According to eyewitnesses, the attackers fired randomly, forcing locals to flee into adjacent woods.
They claimed that the gunmen then went house to home, kidnapping women and children who were unable to flee.
