At least 20 women and young girls have been abducted by suspected bandits in Moriki, a community in Zurmi Local Government Area of Zamfara State.
According to local sources, the victims were kidnapped on Saturday while collecting firewood on the outskirts of the town — a routine chore that turned tragic when armed men ambushed them.
Sufyanu Moriki, a resident of the town, confirmed the incident to Journalists, saying, “The abduction happened on Saturday. They went to fetch firewood outside the town when they were taken by armed men. No one has heard from the kidnappers since, and no ransom has been demanded.”
As of the time of filing this report, the Zamfara State Police Command had yet to officially confirm the incident. Police spokesperson, Yazid Abubakar, said he was unaware of the development but promised to follow up.
Zamfara State, like much of Nigeria’s northwest, remains a hotbed of armed violence driven by a mix of historical land disputes, organized crime, and jihadist influence. What began as local clashes between herders and farmers has since spiraled into full-blown banditry, with heavily armed groups regularly terrorizing rural communities.
This latest incident follows a string of violent attacks in the region. Just last month, 33 captives were reportedly killed by their abductors in Zamfara despite a ransom payment of over $33,000. Three infants also tragically died while in captivity, highlighting the worsening humanitarian toll.
The crisis in the northwest is compounded by climate change, dwindling humanitarian aid, and displacement from farmlands — further aggravating food insecurity and malnutrition among vulnerable populations.
Nigeria’s security forces, though making gains, remain overstretched. Two weeks ago, troops reportedly neutralized 95 bandits in coordinated operations in Niger State. However, civilian casualties from airstrikes have also drawn criticism.
Observers say there is growing cooperation between criminal gangs and jihadist groups, particularly with the emergence of the Lakurawa faction. In response, state governments have begun recruiting vigilante groups and local militias — a controversial strategy reflecting the gravity of the situation.
