Authorities in Nigeria’s Zamfara State have launched an urgent rescue operation following the abduction of more than 40 worshippers in the village of Turbi. Local media reports indicate that armed attackers struck worshippers gathered for morning prayers, taking the victims into nearby forested areas.
Zamfara police spokesman Yazid Abubakar confirmed that security forces were deployed immediately to the scene and that efforts to safely recover the abducted individuals are ongoing.
The incident comes shortly after the Zamfara state government signed a peace agreement with an armed group last month, aiming to reduce the recent surge in violent attacks across the region.
Northern Nigeria has long faced security challenges, with frequent assaults carried out by armed groups, including Boko Haram and the West African branch of Daesh, ISWAP. Despite the threat of the death penalty, kidnappings for ransom remain a recurring problem, often targeting villages, schools, and travelers.
The latest abduction underscores the ongoing security challenges facing the region and the urgent need for coordinated responses to protect vulnerable communities.
