Mass Abductions in Northwestern Nigeria Highlight Growing Security Concerns

Dozens kidnapped by armed men in Nigeria's Zamfara state, marking the region's latest mass abduction. Residents report at least 50 abductees, including women and children. With weak government response and no security presence, kidnappings for ransom persist in conflict-ridden northwest Nigeria.

In a disturbing incident, armed men kidnapped dozens of individuals over the weekend in Nigeria's northwestern Zamfara state, local residents and authorities reported to The Associated Press. The latest in a series of mass abductions, at least 50 people, including women and children, were taken by gunmen in the Maradun district.

Yazid Abubakar, speaking for Zamfara police, verified the kidnapping occurrence but offered no further details. While no entity has claimed responsibility for the abduction, locals suspect notorious bandit groups, known for such raids in the region. Halliru Attahiru, a community leader affected by the kidnapping, described the armed group's assault lasting over two hours.

Kidnappings have become widespread in Nigeria's northwestern parts, exploiting the diminished security to conduct attacks. Victims are primarily released after steep ransoms are paid. The Nigerian military has announced increased efforts to tackle these security issues, yet abductions for monetary gain remain rampant, exacerbating instability in the mineral-rich but inadequately policed area.

(With inputs from agencies.)