Armed men struck in different parts of Nigeria over the weekend, abducting scores of people in Zamfara and Kogi States.
In the early hours of Sunday, bandits stormed a mosque at Gidan Turbe village in Tsafe Local Government Area of Zamfara State, kidnapping no fewer than 40 worshippers. The attack occurred during morning prayers around 5:30 am, when the gunmen surrounded the mosque and forced worshippers into the forest. Sources confirmed the captives were later moved into the Gohori axis of Tsafe LGA.
The assault came shortly after a similar raid in Godai village, Bukkuyum LGA, where at least 12 villagers were seized. Community leaders say the incidents highlight the collapse of fragile peace agreements with armed groups across the North-West, despite recent accords such as the August 28 peace pact signed in Kurfi, Katsina State.
“The bandits have no command, structure and control. You can negotiate with bandits in Katsina while they continue to strike in Zamfara, Sokoto, Kebbi and Kaduna states,” a local source told counter-insurgency expert Zagazola Makama.
Security agencies confirmed that troops of Operation Fasin Yamma have been conducting operations across Katsina, Kebbi, and Zamfara, ambushing armed groups, foiling attacks, and recovering equipment. Despite these efforts, casualties were recorded: two soldiers and an NSCDC officer were killed in separate encounters, while several civilians sustained injuries.
Meanwhile, in Kogi State, gunmen kidnapped the Parish Priest of St. Paul’s Catholic Church, Agaliga, Rev. Father Wilfred Ezemba, along with unidentified commuters on the Imane–Ogugu road. The abduction, which took place over the weekend, has thrown the local Catholic community into shock.
A fellow priest, Rev. Father Michael, said, “Our confusion is high because since his abduction three days ago, his abductors have not made any contact to demand for ransom. But we are confident Almighty God will deliver him safely. We believe in the efficacy of prayers.”
Security agencies, including the Kogi East Neighborhood Watch, police, and troops, are combing nearby forests to track the kidnappers. The incident marks the second kidnapping in the same local government within a week. Just days earlier, lawyer A. B. Shaibu was abducted along the Etieke–Okugoh axis, only regaining freedom after ransom was paid.
The Kogi State Police Command said it is awaiting detailed briefings on the latest incident. Efforts to obtain a response from Defence Headquarters regarding the Zamfara attacks were unsuccessful.
What You Should Know
Bandits kidnapped over 40 worshippers in Zamfara and seized a Catholic priest in Kogi, underscoring the worsening insecurity across Nigeria.
Despite peace deals and ongoing military operations in the North-West, armed groups continue to launch deadly raids, leaving citizens vulnerable and raising concerns about the effectiveness of current security strategies.
