Armed terrorists, commonly referred to as bandits, set up a roadblock along the Wanzamai–Magazu Road in Tsafe Local Government Area of Zamfara State on Tuesday evening, abducting several travellers as Muslims prepared to break their Ramadan fast.
According to witnesses and a security alert shared by Bakatsine, the assailants barricaded the rural route connecting Wanzamai and Magazu communities, stopping vehicles and forcefully taking passengers hostage at gunpoint.
The alert stated: “Terrorists suspected to be bandits set up a roadblock along Wanzamai–Magazu road in Tsafe LGA of Zamfara State, abducting several civilians. The attackers intercepted two vehicles and took all the passengers hostage, further deepening the insecurity crisis in the area.”
Bakatsine expressed deep sorrow over the timing of the attack during the holy month of Ramadan, a period meant for peace, reflection, and compassion.
“It is both heartbreaking and alarming that such attacks continue unabated, even during the holy month of Ramadan,” he said.
He questioned the state of security in the country, noting that innocent citizens can no longer travel freely without fear.
“What does it say about the state of security in our nation when innocent Muslims and other Nigerians cannot travel safely, even while observing one of the most sacred months in Islam? How long will citizens continue to endure this kind of brutality and fear at the hands of bandits?” he asked.
Zamfara State remains a major hotspot for banditry in Nigeria’s North-West, with armed groups frequently ambushing travellers, imposing illegal levies, rustling cattle, and abducting residents for ransom.
The Wanzamai Magazu axis, like several other rural routes in Tsafe LGA, has become notorious for such attacks due to limited security presence and vast forested hideouts exploited by the criminals.
As of the time of this report, no official statement had been issued by security agencies regarding rescue efforts or pursuit of the perpetrators.
Residents say fear has gripped daily life, with many now avoiding major and rural roads even during daylight hours a stark reflection of the deepening security crisis in Zamfara State and the wider region.
