Armed terrorists stormed Fananawa village in Bukuyum Local Government Area of Zamfara State on Saturday night, killing one resident, seriously injuring another, and abducting at least five others in a brazen attack that spanned from evening until dawn.
Police confirmed five abductions, while local residents reported up to seven victims taken.
Eyewitnesses described utter chaos as terrorists on motorcycles invaded the rural community, firing indiscriminately and spreading terror among villagers.
One resident, Malam Sani, recounted how the attackers dominated the area for hours.
“They killed one person outright, shot another who now fights for his life, and dragged others into the darkness,” he said.
Meanwhile, medical teams swiftly transferred the injured victim to a teaching hospital in nearby Sokoto State for specialized treatment.
Zamfara State Police Command spokesperson DSP Yazid Abubakar promptly confirmed the incident.
He announced that security forces immediately deployed for a rescue operation.
“Our personnel pursue the terrorists relentlessly,” Abubakar declared.
“We commit fully to rescuing the victims safely and apprehending the attackers. Success will follow soon.”
However, this raid delivers yet another devastating strike to Bukuyum communities, which have suffered repeated terrorist assaults over the past month, including a recent bomb explosion that amplified local fears.
Furthermore, the attack occurs against a backdrop of mounting military pressure on terrorist groups across Zamfara.
On the same weekend, reports surfaced of terrorists releasing videos pleading for negotiations with the state government and Nigerian Air Force, blaming ongoing airstrikes on their forest enclaves.
Despite these operations, terrorism endures in Nigeria’s northwest, where armed groups relentlessly conduct raids, abductions for ransom, and cattle rustling, displacing thousands and crippling livelihoods.
Authorities call on residents to stay vigilant and report suspicious movements as intensified efforts to restore security continue.
