More than 100 kidnapped, 6 killed in Zamfara village attack by bandits

At least six people lost their lives and more than 100 others — including women and children — were abducted when armed men attacked the Kairu community in Zamfara State, northwestern Nigeria, on Friday, July 18.

The assailants, believed to be members of the armed gangs commonly known as bandits, stormed the village at about 10:40 a.m., shooting indiscriminately and creating widespread panic among residents.

One villager, Abubakar Isa, said his wife was among those kidnapped during the attack.

Confirming the incident, local lawmaker Hamisu Faru reported that no fewer than 100 people were abducted in the raid.

Zamfara has long been a flashpoint for bandit violence, with criminal groups routinely carrying out mass abductions, killings, and raids that have disrupted everyday life, making farming and travel extremely dangerous in many parts of the state.

“As I speak to you now, they are still going from house to house, abducting people,” Faru said during his account of the incident.

Another resident, Mohammed Usman, recounted that the attackers kept the village under siege for nearly two hours before leaving with their captives.

In the aftermath of the assault, thousands of terrified residents have fled the community in fear for their lives.