Zamfara Under Siege: Bandits Abduct 12 Villagers Despite Peace Talks

Armed bandits have struck again in Zamfara State, abducting at least 12 residents of Godai village, Bukkuyum Local Government Area, in the early hours of Sunday — despite ongoing peace negotiations with criminal groups in the region.

Security analyst Zagazola Makama confirmed the attack in a post on X, stating that gunmen invaded the community around 3:41 a.m., firing shots into the air and forcing terrified villagers to flee. The victims were reportedly taken into Gyado Forest, a notorious hideout for armed groups.

The Zamfara State Police Command said it received a distress call from the Divisional Police Officer in Bukkuyum Division and swiftly deployed reinforcements. Police sources added that the military high command has been alerted, and a joint rescue operation is underway to free the captives and apprehend the attackers.

The attack comes just hours after a peace parley with bandit leaders was held in Katsina State. Yet, in a chilling parallel, armed groups stormed Yar Tafki — less than 40 kilometres from Faskari, the venue of the peace meeting — killing, injuring, and abducting residents.

Security analyst Bakatsine, who reported the Katsina raid, described it as a grim reminder of the fragile nature of the peace talks.
“Yesterday night, bandits stormed Yar Tafki in Katsina State, killing, injuring and abducting residents. The community isn’t up to 40km distance from Faskari, where a peace parley with bandits was held on Sunday afternoon,” he wrote.

With renewed attacks across Zamfara and Katsina, questions are mounting over the effectiveness of peace deals and the government’s ability to safeguard communities trapped in Nigeria’s northwest conflict.