At least six passengers were abducted on Tuesday morning when armed bandits ambushed a vehicle along Shinkafi Road near Kwanar Jalaf village in Zamfara State.
The assailants intercepted a Golf car, forcibly kidnapped its occupants, and set the vehicle ablaze, intensifying fear among residents and commuters in the area.
This attack comes shortly after threats issued by notorious bandit leader Bello Turji, who vowed to target communities in Shinkafi and Zurmi (Zamfara State) and Isah (Sokoto State) in early 2025.
Eyewitnesses reported that the attackers had blocked the road before executing the abductions. A local resident, speaking anonymously, confirmed, “Six travellers were taken, and their car was burned. We suspect it’s Turji’s men.”
The escalating violence has triggered urgent pleas from Shinkafi residents for decisive government intervention to curb the growing menace of banditry.
Efforts to reach Zamfara State Police spokesperson, ASP Yazid Abubakar, for official comments have so far been unsuccessful.