Armed bandits on Friday, May 2, 2025, abducted 25 women traveling to a wedding ceremony in Kurmi town, Maru Local Government Area of Zamfara State.
The victims, according to reports by BBC Hausa, were intercepted and taken away by the attackers while heading to the venue of the event.
Local sources confirmed that the armed men, riding motorcycles and heavily armed, blocked the road and forcefully took the women into nearby forests.
The incident, which occurred in broad daylight, has sparked panic among residents of Kurmi and neighboring communities.
Security officials have yet to release an official statement regarding the abduction.
In a separate attack the same day, gunmen stormed Galadi, a community in Tsafe Local Government Area of Zamfara, and abducted 19 people.
Witnesses said the Galadi attack occurred at night and involved indiscriminate shooting, leaving several residents injured.
Medical personnel at a local clinic confirmed that the injured are receiving treatment.
Both incidents have heightened fear and tension in rural Zamfara, which continues to suffer from a wave of violent attacks.
Residents report that bandits have intensified operations in the past weeks despite ongoing security patrols.
Community leaders have condemned the attacks and called on both state and federal authorities to take decisive action.
Vigilante groups in the affected areas say they lack the tools and support needed to counter the bandits.
Many villagers are fleeing their homes as insecurity worsens across the region.
Farmers have abandoned their lands, fearing further attacks, which threatens the state’s food supply.
Schools and markets in affected areas remain closed as residents seek safety in urban centers.
Zamfara State has emerged as one of Nigeria’s most affected states in the fight against rural banditry and kidnapping.
Despite multiple security operations, criminal gangs continue to exploit weak surveillance and poor rural infrastructure.
As of Saturday May 3, no rescue mission has been officially launched for the abducted women.
Families of the victims are pleading with authorities to intervene and secure their safe release.
Human rights organizations are urging immediate action and stronger protection for vulnerable rural communities.
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