Suspected Bandits Attack Mosque, Abduct Worshippers

A mosque in Birnin Yaro village, Zamfara State, was reportedly attacked by suspected bandits on Friday night, with dozens of worshippers abducted during Isha prayers.

Sources linked the attack to Bello Turji, a notorious warlord operating in the region. Witnesses reported that Turji and his armed men stormed the mosque, herding their captives into the surrounding forest. The exact number of people abducted has yet to be confirmed.

This incident is the latest in a series of kidnappings for ransom that have plagued northern Nigeria. Just last week, at least 46 individuals, including women and children, were taken in a raid on Gana town, also in Zamfara State. That attack involved dozens of gunmen on motorbikes who fired indiscriminately, torching homes and businesses.

In December, another major abduction occurred in Kakidawa, Gidan Goga district, Maradun Local Government Area. During the raid, gunmen reportedly conducted a house-to-house search, capturing women and children who could not flee. Eyewitnesses described the attackers firing into the air as terrified residents fled into nearby bushes.