Abuja — In yet another blow to fragile peace efforts in the North-West, heavily armed bandits attacked a mosque in Gidan Turbe village, Tsafe Local Government Area of Zamfara State, on Monday, abducting no fewer than 40 worshippers during early morning prayers.
The raid, which occurred around 5:30 am, came just hours after another attack in Godai village, Bukkuyum LGA, where at least 12 people were kidnapped. Local sources said the Zamfara worshippers were herded into the forests near Gohori axis in Tsafe LGA.
Peace Deal in Tatters
The fresh attacks cast serious doubts on the August 28 peace agreement signed between community leaders and bandits in Kurfi LGA, Katsina State, which had been hailed as a significant step towards ending years of bloodshed, cattle rustling, and kidnappings.
Security analysts warn that without central command among the armed groups, peace efforts in one state often collapse when attacks persist in neighboring regions.
“The bandits have no command, structure or control. You can negotiate with those in Katsina, while others continue to strike in Zamfara, Sokoto, Kebbi, and Kaduna,” a local source told security analyst Zagazola Makama.
Troops Step Up Operations
Despite the setbacks, Operation Fasan Yamma (OPFY) troops reported multiple engagements across Katsina, Kebbi, and Zamfara States, repelling ambushes and recovering weapons and motorcycles.
- In Kankara LGA, Katsina, soldiers ambushed terrorists near Gatakawa village.
- Troops in Danmusa Forest repelled an ambush on NSCDC personnel, though one operative later died from gunshot wounds.
- In Kebbi State, joint forces clashed with gunmen in Kebbe and Augie LGAs, forcing their retreat.
- In Zamfara’s Tsafe LGA, troops fought through an ambush at Kuka, with two soldiers wounded.
Catholic Priest Abducted in Kogi
In a separate incident, gunmen abducted Rev. Father Wilfred Ezemba, parish priest of St Paul’s Catholic Church, Agaliga, along with several commuters on the Imane-Ogugu road in Kogi State.
The incident, which occurred over the weekend, has plunged the local Catholic community into fear and uncertainty.
“Since his abduction three days ago, the kidnappers have not made contact. But we are confident God will deliver him safely,” said fellow priest Fr. Michael.
Security agencies including Kogi East Neighborhood Watch, police, and soldiers are reportedly combing the forests to rescue the cleric.
This marks the second kidnapping in the LGA within a week, after a lawyer, Barrister A.B. Shaibu, was abducted on September 7 and later released following ransom payment.
Insecurity Deepens Across Nigeria
The latest wave of abductions underscores the fragility of peace deals and the resilience of bandit networks in the North-West and North-Central regions, raising fears of renewed instability despite government and military efforts.
