Bandits Storm Sabo Village Amid Vigilante Surveillance
Armed terrorists have unleashed another wave of violence in Zamfara State, kidnapping more than 16 residents of Sabo village in Talata Mafara Local Government Area. The attack occurred on Wednesday, November 6, 2025, marking the second major assault on the community within a year.
According to multiple sources, the bandits invaded the Sado community despite heavy surveillance by local vigilantes from the area. The district head, Aliyu Saidu, confirmed that the vigilantes attempted to repel the attack but were overwhelmed by the large number of assailants.
Community Left in Fear and Confusion
The kidnapped victims include women, children, and elderly residents, with community members fearing the number might increase as search efforts continue. Muhammad Usman, a local villager, provided details of the operation while another resident, Alhaji Ibrahim Shehu Sado, shared his personal connection to the tragedy.
"I instantly called his number, but there was no response. He has been kidnapped alongside his wife," Sado revealed about his friend Nasiru, who had visited his shop earlier in the evening.
Community members are now gathering in the village square, anxiously awaiting possible communication from the hostage takers. Many remain busy on their phones, anticipating calls that might provide information about their loved ones' whereabouts.
Previous Trauma Haunts Community Leadership
This severe operation represents the second major attack on the community since last year, when the first incident led to the abduction of village head Aliyu Sa'idu. The traumatic experience forced Sa'idu to avoid the area and resettle in Morai, highlighting the persistent security challenges facing the region.
Umar Rabiu, whose elder brother was among those kidnapped, expressed the community's desperation: "We are asking the authorities and government security forces to help us trace and rescue them."
The attack comes just weeks after armed bandits abducted six butchers and animal dealers returning from Magajin Maitarko market along Dogon Santsi forest in Gusau Local Government Area. In that previous incident, bandits blocked the Gusau-Dansadau road on a Friday evening, shooting one victim and leaving another in critical condition.
As displaced families scatter across neighborhoods and community members struggle to contact the kidnapped victims, the situation remains uncertain and tense throughout Zamfara State.
