Armed bandits have escalated the security crisis in Zamfara State, abducting a group of six butchers and animal dealers who were returning from a market outing.
The incident occurred along the Gusau–Dansadau road, near the Dogon Santsi forest in the Gusau Local Government Area, on Friday evening as the traders were returning from the Magajin Maitarko market.
According to Ishiaku Umar, a close relative of one of the victims, the assailants blocked the highway before seizing the traders. Tragically, one of the victims was shot and sustained critical injuries during the encounter.
The bandits have since contacted the families, issuing a chilling ultimatum. Umar confirmed that the kidnappers are demanding a N2 million ransom specifically for the release of the injured person.
“The bandits warned us that, if we delay in paying the ransom money, they will kill him because they can’t handle his gunshot wounds,” Umar stated.
He also noted that while a demand was made for the injured victim, no specific ransom figure has been released for the other five captives.
In a desperate bid to save his life, the abducted man reportedly pleaded with his family to raise the money immediately. “Our abducted brother pleaded that we should sell his house and give them the money to release him, and we are currently struggling to sell the property to secure his release from his kidnappers,” Umar added.
Malam Aminu, a leader of the state’s animal dealers, confirmed the attack, stating that four of the kidnapped persons are recognized members of their association.
When contacted, the Zamfara State Police Command spokesperson, DSP Yazid Abubakar, stated that the command had yet to receive an official report on the abduction. He urged the public to report all such incidents to the nearest police station to enable a swift and effective response, noting that successful rescues are often complicated by families attempting to negotiate on their own first.
