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Anthony Ufoh
The Zamfara State community of Gidan Turbe village in the Tsafe Local Government Area has been thrown into confusion as suspected bandits on 15 September 2025 have reportedly kidnapped 40 worshippers in a mosque.
The incident, according to security and counterinsurgency expert Zagazola Makama, on his X account @ZagazOlaMakama (formerly Twitter), occurred around 5:30 am during the morning prayers despite that the villagers had made a peace deal with the suspected bandits earlier on.
According to reports, the captives were moved into the forests around the Gohori axis in Tsafe.
According to Makama, “The incident has thrown the rural community into confusion and despair, coming at a time when local leaders and some armed groups in Katsina and neighbouring states had reportedly entered into truces aimed at reducing attacks.
“The attack pointed at the fragility of ongoing peace arrangements in the region, where heavily armed groups continue to operate with impunity despite dialogue initiatives.
“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 State.”
As at the time of filing this report, there was no official confirmation from security authorities in Zamfara State.
