…As troops foil multiple terrorist strikes in Katsina, Kebbi, Zamfara
No fewer than 40 worshippers were abducted during dawn prayers on Monday at Gidan Turbe village mosque in the Tsafe Local Government Area of Zamfara State, barely 24 hours after reports emerged of peace deals in parts of the North West.
According to community sources, the gunmen stormed the mosque at about 5:30 a.m. while prayers were ongoing.
According to Zagazola Makama, a Counter-terrorism expert on the Lake Chad, bandits surrounded the worshippers at gunpoint, forcing dozens of them out of the mosque before marching them into the nearby forest.
The victims were reportedly moved towards the Gohori axis in Tsafe, a notorious hideout for criminal groups.
Residents described the incident as shocking and devastating, noting that it has plunged the rural community into fear and uncertainty.
The attack also comes at a delicate moment, following reports of peace accords between local leaders and some armed groups in Katsina and neighbouring states, which had raised hopes of reduced violence in the region.
Makama reported that the latest assault underscores the fragility of such peace efforts.
“Community members expressed concern that the lack of unified command among the various armed groups undermines ongoing negotiations”, the report said.
“The bandits have no command, structure or control. You can negotiate with bandits in Katsina, while they continue to strike in Zamfara, Sokoto, Kebbi and Kaduna,” one local source told Makama
The incident has thrown the community into panic, highlighting the fragility of ongoing peace initiatives in the North-West, where dialogue efforts with armed groups continue to face setbacks.
Meanwhile, troops of Operation Fasin Yamma (OPFY) foiled several terrorist attacks across Katsina, Kebbi, and Zamfara States.
In Katsina, troops of 17 Brigade FOB Mabai ambushed terrorists near Gatakawa village, recovering a motorcycle and a mobile phone. In Danmusa, soldiers repelled an ambush on Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) operatives, though one officer later died from gunshot wounds.
In Kebbi, troops of 8 Division Garrison engaged terrorists at Ungushi village, Kebbe LGA, forcing them to flee. A civilian injured in the attack was evacuated to Kebbe General Hospital. In Augie LGA, troops and NSCDC personnel also responded to an incident in Tunga Dade, where terrorists stole a motorcycle before escaping.
In Zamfara, troops of 1 Brigade Team 7 on patrol at Mararaba Kyeware came under ambush near Kuka village. Two soldiers sustained injuries and were evacuated to Tsafe General Hospital for treatment before being moved to 1 Brigade Medical Centre.
Military operations in the region remain ongoing, even as talks with some armed groups are being explored to reduce violence.
SOURCES: Business Day and Vanguard Newspapers
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