Armed bandits stormed Gusau, the Zamfara State capital, on Wednesday, October 1, night and abducted two serving local government councillors alongside a resident in a fresh wave of violence that has shaken the state.
The Independence Day assault occurred around 8 p.m. in the Tsauni area of Gusau, according to eyewitnesses. Victims were reportedly forced into the forest by the heavily armed attackers.
The kidnapped councillors, whose names remain withheld for security reasons, represent Gidan Gona and Tsibiri wards in Maradun Local Government Area.
A security analyst, Salihu Bamle, confirmed the abduction to SaharaReporters.
“Several people were taken, including two serving councillors from Maradun LGA,” he said.
This attack comes despite ongoing peace talks between the Zamfara State Government, the Federal Government, and armed groups.
Negotiations have been promoted as a pathway to peace, yet communities remain vulnerable to raids, kidnappings, and mass killings.
Only weeks ago, worshippers were massacred inside a mosque in Zamfara during evening prayers a tragedy that sparked outrage nationwide but has yet to see decisive security action.
The Zamfara State Police Command has confirmed Wednesday’s abduction.
Police spokesperson ASP Yazid Abubakar said three persons in total were seized, including the councillors.
He assured the public that security forces were on the kidnappers’ trail.
“The command is working tirelessly to ensure the safe rescue of the captives. There is light at the end of the tunnel,” Abubakar said.
The Independence Day kidnapping underscores the deepening security crisis in Zamfara, where residents live in constant fear despite repeated promises of protection.