At least 27 commuters were kidnapped yesterday when waylaying bandits took over the DakiTakwas-Zuru Federal Highway in Zamfara State, spending not less than 4 hours unhindered.
According to Humangle, the attack took place between 3:30 p.m. and about 8:25 p.m. as the assailants brazenly abducted travelers who were coming from Sokoto, Gusau, Gummi, and Anka, and heading towards Zuru Emirate.
Other passengers who were on a trip from Zuru, Ribah, and Danko-Wasagu areas of Kebbi State were also kidnapped, the medium added.
READ: Zamfara Farmers To Meet With Bandits For Protection, Access To Farmlands
Alhaji Abu Jabbi, a communter who narrowly escaped the attack, said: “There were many armed terrorists on the federal highway in Danmarke village shouldering their guns and pointing them at our car.”
The lucky Jabbi thanked God for escaping the marauders, adding he saw how over 27 passengers were headed into the bush.
A driver, Attahiru Abdullahi, said he was aware of the operation until he was a few meters away from the terror scene.
However, WikkiTimes gathered that there was no security presence throughout the four hours the attack lasted. Lukman Zugu, a resident of Zugu village of Bukuyum LGA told HumAngle “there was no security response to the road blockage by the marauders throughout the attack, despite several calls and reports to the security operatives and the Village Head of the area.”
READ: Zamfara Govt Disarms Vigilantes, Puts Trust In Bandits Over ‘Ceasefire Agreement’
According to reports, the DakiTakwas-Zuru Federal highway has become dangerous, particularly this year with several kidnappings recorded. In addition, they access nearby villages through the highway.
Mohammed Shehu, the police spokesman in Zamfara reiterated the command’s effort to ensure security in the affected areas.
On his part, Zamfara Commissioner for Security and Home Affairs, who is also a retired D.I.G of Police, Muhammad Ibrahim Tsafe stated that: “Zamfara State Government is in talks with the remaining groups [terrorists] for peace initiative across 14 LGAs in the State.
“I can confirm to you that all these will soon be history in the state. Zamfara Government has already given a directive to those holding farmlands, cattle routes, and settlements belonging to Fulanis to be released to them as a lasting panacea to peace in the state.”
