In a daring and well-coordinated attack, armed bandits abducted 17 individuals, including women and children, in Ruwan Dorawa village, Maru Local Government Area of Zamfara State. The assailants, numbering approximately 150 and led by the notorious bandits’ kingpin, Dan Nagala, reportedly executed the operation silently, using a unique method that avoided firing shots to keep residents unaware.
During the four-hour-long operation, which commenced at midnight on Sunday, November 19, the bandits divided into five groups. Three groups secured strategic entrances to the village, while the remaining two entered to carry out the abductions. Tragically, a police officer lost his life in the incident.
Residents, despite having prior knowledge of the impending attack, were unable to thwart the bandits’ mission. Even with the mobilization of a vigilante group, the bandits, anticipating the resistance, adjusted their plans, resulting in the successful abduction.
The attackers demonstrated specific targets, including the residences of Alhaji Saleh Mai Buhu Ruwan Dorawa, the Village Head, Marafa Kabiru Makau, Babangida Kafinta, and Alhaji Bakwai. The bandits applied varying tactics, tying up victims, dragging them from their homes, and abducting women and children.
A resident expressed concern about the bandits’ new method, emphasizing its silent and swift execution, creating challenges for communities to resist effectively. The complexity of the situation is exacerbated by the bandits’ awareness of local mining activities, enabling them to monitor business transactions and demand levies from farmers.
As of the report, the bandits had not contacted the families of the abducted persons for ransom demands. However, a police team has been dispatched to recover the slain officer’s body and ensure a dignified burial.
