Terrorists Abduct Over 100 Residents in Zamfara After Villagers Fail to Pay Protection Levy
In a harrowing incident on Friday, terrorists operating in Zamfara State’s Maru Local Government Area abducted more than 100 residents in a series of coordinated attacks on several villages.
The motive behind the attacks is reported to be the villagers’ failure to pay a protection levy of N110 million demanded by the terrorists.
Believed to be loyal to a terror kingpin named Damina, operating around the Dansadau axis of the state, the attackers targeted communities including Mutunji, Unguwar Kawo, Kwantar Dutsi, and Sabon Garin Mahuta.
The assailants, led by Damina, descended on the communities on motorcycles, surrounding them shortly after the dusk prayer at 8:00 p.m.
A local source recounted the terror, stating that the attackers swiftly overpowered the residents. Men, women, and children were abducted, marking a tragic turn of events for the affected villages.
The attack on Mutunji was reportedly a result of the village’s failure to meet Damina’s demand for a N50 million compensation levy.
Damina had allegedly given the community a week to gather the money as compensation for purportedly informing soldiers of the terrorists’ movements.
Failing to collect the sum in time, the community became a target for the violent onslaught.
Neighboring communities, including Unguwar Kawo, Kwanar Dutsi, and Sabon Garin Mahuta, were also simultaneously raided, with residents taken hostage.
The extent of the abduction is still being determined, with sources estimating at least 100 people.
Zamfara State Police spokesperson Yazid Abubakar has not responded to inquiries regarding the attack.
Source: Premium Times
