Kidnapping and Arson Incident in Zamfara State

In a distressing event, armed assailants have taken hostages and set their vehicle on fire in the Shinkafi Local Government Area of Zamfara State.

The ambush occurred around 8 AM on Tuesday, December 31, as the vehicle was transporting passengers from Gusau, the state capital, to Shinkafi.

This attack took place at Kwanar Jalab village, located in the Zungeru Ward of Shinkafi LGA.

According to a local resident, “The assailants captured everyone in the vehicle before igniting it. We suspect that around ten individuals, including the driver, were taken.”

“This method of operation is unusual for our area. Typically, while kidnappings along the road happen, the burning of vehicles post-abduction is not common here,” the resident added.

The infamous bandit leader, Bello Turji, had earlier threatened to enact violence following the detention of his relatives. It remains uncertain if this incident is linked to his threats.

Turji was recently seen in a viral video warning of attacks in Zurmi and Shinkafi in Zamfara, as well as Isa local government in Sokoto, demanding the release of his family members detained at a Shinkafi hospital.

Reports indicate that Turji’s father-in-law was one of those apprehended.

Former Sokoto State governor, Alhaji Attahiru Dalhatu Bafarawa, has called on the federal government to take significant measures to prevent Turji from executing his promised attacks.

Speaking to reporters at his residence on December 31, Bafarawa urged authorities to act on Turji’s threats to ensure the safety of the communities.

“I trust the government is aware of his threats, and they should be ready for him. It’s critical that he does not carry out these threats.”

“He claimed he would initiate strikes on certain communities starting January 1st, yet today (Tuesday) he already attacked travelers on the Jangeru-Chikki Road,” Bafarawa disclosed. “Some victims sustained injuries and are currently receiving treatment in the hospital.”