Nine Communities Suffer Weeklong Attacks In Nigeria’s North West

Residents of Yarkofoji, Madaci, Dankadu, Rini, Dankaiwa, Birnin-Tudu, and three other villages in thw Bakura local government area of Zamfara, North West Nigeria, experienced massive hits of terror attacks between Sunday, Dec. 17 and Monday, Dec. 25, as several armed groups carried out abductions of many farmers.

According to multiple sources, no fewer than 20 farmers were abducted in Madaci between last Saturday and Today. While 18 abductions were recorded in Dankadu, 11 people have been kidnapped in Birnin-Tudu.

HumAngle also learnt that seven other farmers were kidnapped in Yarkofoji around 1:00 a.m. earlier this morning. The attack left behind 17 victims of gunshots. 

The residents linked the violent attacks to the killings and arrests of some armed terrorists by the ongoing military operations in the eastern parts of Sokoto, which share a border with Maradun and Bakura LGAs of Zamfara.

Bala Taya, a resident of Yarkofoji who narrowly escaped on Monday, told HumAngle that the terrorists attacked them when they arrived from Mafara.

Hamisu Aliyu, a kidnap victim who was released from kidnappers’ den on Saturday, Dec. 23, after paying a ransom of ₦800,000, said, “There is an upsurge of kidnapping activities here in Dankadu, Rini, and Madaci more than ever before. No security operatives were seen before or during attacks on us.”

Aliyu Dorumbu, the village head of Madaci, said he was forced to vacate his territory following repeated attacks on his community. “We have over 29 residents abducted from my village alone as I am talking to you. They are currently in captivity and are forced to carry out hard labour for the terrorists.”

In Dankado village, Lauwali Namadi, a displaced resident, also said 18 farmers, including women from their community, were in captivity. 

“They were abducted last Wednesday by the terrorists. We heard they now force the women to cook for them. We have to flee from our villages, as police usually arrive after successful attacks. Our experience is as a result of the terrorists being dislodged and chased out of their camps. Also, they [terrorists] find our villages as safe havens for them because it is almost impossible for the security forces to stay here with us and protect the citizens.”

Like Rini and Dankadu villages, Dankaiwa and Gidanbaggi residents also flee their homes, paving the way for the roving armed terrorists to take control of various areas. “People are being killed like rats, and more farmers are kidnapped and are always on the move with the abducted victims in the tens,” said Tunau Maikware, a resident familiar with the penetration of the armed groups.

HumAngle contacted Yazid Abubakar, Zamfara State Police Command spokesperson for comments but he’s yet to respond to enquiries.