Rita Odafe
In a concerning incident in Gangara Yamma village, vigilante groups in Tsafe Local Government Area, Zamfara State, successfully intervened to rescue a teenage girl named Zainab from an enforced marriage attempt by suspected bandits.
Witnesses revealed that the attackers arrived on three motorcycles at the home of Zainab’s father, Ali Yarbugai Gangara Mai Inji, demanding her as a bride.
The bandits threatened to kill Zainab’s father if he did not comply with their demands, according to counterinsurgency informant, Zagazola Makama.
Ali stood firm against their threats, resulting in a physical confrontation during which the attackers assaulted him before eventually leaving him injured but alive.
Community members acted quickly to notify local vigilantes, prompting an urgent pursuit of the fleeing assailants.
“They were able to track down the suspects at a hidden location, engaging in a shootout that resulted in the neutralization of one individual, who was identified as the leader and the would-be groom. The other two bandits managed to escape, leaving their motorcycles behind,” the informant stated.
The motorcycles were later returned to Tsafe, where local authorities were informed of the event.
Zainab’s father, Ali, expressed deep appreciation for the vigilantes’ prompt response, noting, “We would have faced a tragic loss if not for their timely help.”
