Locals claim that at least 46 people were abducted in Zamfara state, Nigeria

Residents and a local traditional authority said on Tuesday that gunmen had abducted at least 46 persons, including women and children, during an assault on Gana town in northwest Zamfara state, Nigeria.

At around 2200 GMT on Sunday, dozens of gunmen on motorcycles opened fire on the neighborhood, setting fire to many homes and businesses, according to locals. The incident comes after a similar mass abduction in the state last month.

When reached by Reuters, Zamfara police spokesperson Yazid Abubakar was not available for comment. Attempts to contact him by text message and phone call failed.

Armed gangs, referred to as bandits in the region, have been a persistent problem in northwest Nigeria. They frequently harass towns, leaving a path of murder and abduction victims, including residents, farmers, students, and drivers, who are frequently kept hostage.

According to Gana traditional chief Alhaji Garba Haure, the attackers were unable to burn down the entire town because of the government security forces’ involvement. He stated there were no fatalities.

“We have 46 men, women and children that have been abducted altogether, and still counting,” Haure stated.

A villager named Bala Harauma told Reuters that the true number of people kidnapped may be greater. As the armed group relocated the prisoners in the early hours of Monday, six persons were able to flee, Harauma continued.

Yusuf Mohammed, another local, said the criminals burned down dozens of homes and food-storage silos.

Residents reported that when a ransom was paid, the prisoners abducted in the December raid were released.