Terrorists Kill Zamfara Community Imam, Kidnap Scores Of Residents After Night Prayers

Terrorists launched an attack on Keita village in Tsafe Local Government Area of Zamfara State, resulting in the killing of the Chief Imam of the Central Mosque in the village, Sheikh Ahmad Rufa’i, and the abduction of numerous villagers. Ibrahim Musa Keita, a resident of the village, reported that the terrorists arrived shortly after Muslims had completed the isha’i (night) congregational prayer on Tuesday.

Residents had been warned about the presence of bandits along the Kwarin Gano-Keita Road before the attack, but it was uncertain whether they would target the village. Initially, the bandits attempted to abduct travelers along the Keita-Kwarin Gano Road, but failing to capture anyone, they subsequently attacked Keita village. Along with killing the chief imam, they abducted several individuals, including women. The exact number of abductees remains unknown as some residents sought refuge in the bush and are yet to be located.

The killing of Sheikh Rufa’i occurred shortly after the recent assassination of the Chief Imam of the Central Mosque in Mada, Gusau Local Government Area. Additionally, on the same day, two individuals were reportedly abducted in Magazu village within Tsafe Local Government Area.

Residents described the attack on Magazu village, occurring around 3 am, as involving sporadic gunfire, prompting many to flee their homes for safety.

Efforts to confirm these incidents with the Zamfara State Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Abubakar Yazid, have been unsuccessful, as he has not provided details or comments at the time of this report.