Gunmen abduct ‘seven travellers’ in Sokoto

Gunmen have reportedly abducted seven travellers in the Sabon Borno area of Sokoto state.

According to Zagazola Makama, a counterinsurgency publication focused on the Lake Chad region, the gunmen intercepted a commercial vehicle near Chin Golf village early Tuesday morning.

The report added that the victims, comprising six women and a driver, were forced out of the vehicle and taken into the forest.

Intelligence sources cited by Makama suggested that the gunmen are suspected to be associates of Turji Bello, a notorious bandit leader.

On December 22, gunmen reportedly kidnapped 18 travellers in Emure Ile, Ekiti state.

The attackers were said to have ambushed a vehicle heading to Ado-Ekiti, the state capital, seizing all the passengers onboard.

Sources claim the kidnappers have demanded a ransom of N30 million for each victim.

Also, on December 10 in Zamfara state, at least 43 individuals were reportedly abducted by gunmen in Kakidawa, Goga district of Maradun LGA. 

The armed men were said to have invaded the community late at night, firing gunshots indiscriminately and forcing residents to flee into nearby bushes.

The assailants carried out a house-to-house search, capturing women and children who could not escape. However, no ransom has been demanded yet.