Armed bandits on Tuesday abducted several passengers and set their vehicle ablaze in Kwanar Jalab, Zungeru Ward, Shinkafi Local Government Area of Zamfara State. The incident, which occurred around 8 a.m., has sparked renewed fears among residents and travelers in the region.
Eyewitnesses disclosed that the bandits ambushed a vehicle traveling from Gusau, the Zamfara State capital, to Shinkafi. “The bandits abducted all the passengers onboard, suspected to be 10, including the driver, before burning the vehicle,” a resident said, requesting anonymity.
“This is a new and alarming tactic. While bandits have frequently kidnapped travelers in the past, burning vehicles after abducting passengers has not been their modus operandi,” the source lamented.
The attack comes amid heightened concerns following threats issued by notorious bandit leader Bello Turji. Turji had vowed to retaliate for the arrest of his relatives by security operatives, reportedly at a hospital in Shinkafi. In a video circulating on social media, he threatened to launch attacks in Shinkafi, Zurmi (Zamfara State), and Isa Local Government in Sokoto State if his relatives were not released.
Former Sokoto State Governor Alhaji Attahiru Dalhatu Bafarawa has called on the federal government to act swiftly to neutralize Turji’s threats. Speaking to reporters in Sokoto on Tuesday, Bafarawa said, “The government must not take this lightly. His threat to attack by January 1 must be addressed decisively to protect innocent lives.”
Bafarawa revealed that Tuesday’s attack along the Jangeru-Chikki Road could be linked to Turji’s threats. “Passengers were abducted, and a vehicle was burned. The victims are currently receiving medical treatment, but the government must prevent further escalation,” he added.
In a related development, the Nigerian military has reaffirmed its commitment to defeating banditry in the North-West. Major General Buba, Director of Defence Media Operations, described Turji as a “dead man walking,” underscoring the military’s intensified operations to dismantle terrorist enclaves.
“Our troops have neutralized numerous terrorist leaders and combatants this year. Notable figures eliminated include Halilu Sububu, Dutse Mainasara, and others. Turji will soon meet the same fate,” Buba said during a press briefing in Abuja.
Meanwhile, residents of Shinkafi are living in fear, with many suspending travel plans due to the uncertainty. Sulaiman Shinkafi, a local, said his mother urged him not to return to Shinkafi after hearing about the incident.
The attack has drawn attention to the worsening security situation in Zamfara State. Community leaders and stakeholders are calling for coordinated efforts to curb banditry and restore peace in the region.
As security agencies intensify operations, Nigerians are urged to remain vigilant and support government efforts to tackle insecurity.
