Zamfara Mosque Attack: 40 Worshippers Abducted as Fragile Peace Deal Falters

Armed bandits in the early hours of yesterday stormed a mosque at Gidan Turbe village in Tsafe Local Government Area of Zamfara State, abducting at least 40 worshippers during dawn prayers.

The raid came just hours after a separate attack on Godai village in Bukkuyum LGA, where over 10 residents were kidnapped.

Community sources said the Zamfara attack occurred around 5:30 a.m. when the gunmen surrounded the mosque and whisked away worshippers at gunpoint. The captives were later moved into the forests around the Gohori axis in Tsafe.

Stakeholders described the attack as evidence of the collapse of the recent peace deal entered into by Katsina and Zamfara states with armed groups in the region.

“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 states,” a local source told counter-insurgency expert Zagazola Makama.

The fragile truce had been signed on August 28, 2025, at Wurma forest in Kurfi LGA, Katsina State, in a pact brokered by traditional and local government leaders. It was hailed at the time as a major step toward ending years of killings, kidnappings and cattle rustling.

Troops Intensify Operations

Meanwhile, troops of Operation Fasin Yamma (OPFY) carried out multiple operations across Katsina, Kebbi and Zamfara states, foiling attacks and recovering motorcycles, phones and other items.

In Katsina, soldiers of 17 Brigade ambushed terrorists near Gatakawa village, while troops of FOB Danmusa repelled an ambush on NSCDC personnel, though one officer later died of gunshot wounds.

Elsewhere, troops of 8 Division Garrison engaged terrorists at Ungushi village in Kebbe LGA, Kebbi State, forcing them to retreat. One civilian sustained gunshot injuries. Similar operations were conducted in Augie and Zamfara’s Tsafe axis, where soldiers fought through an ambush, leaving two wounded.

Catholic Priest, Commuters Kidnapped in Kogi

In a separate incident, gunmen over the weekend abducted the parish priest of St. Paul’s Catholic Church, Agaliga, Rev. Father Wilfred Ezemba, along with some yet-to-be-identified commuters along Imane-Ogugu road in Kogi State.

Three days after the incident, the abductors are yet to make contact or demand ransom.

“Our confusion is high because since his abduction three days ago, his abductors have not made any contact. But we strongly believe Almighty God will deliver him safely,” said Rev. Father Michael.

Security agencies, including the Kogi East Neighbourhood Watch, police, and troops, are said to be combing the forests for the kidnappers.

The abduction of Rev. Ezemba marks the second kidnapping in the same local government in a week. Barrister A. B. Shaibu was seized on September 7 and later released after his family reportedly paid ransom.

Kogi police spokesman, SP Williams Aya, said the command was yet to receive an official briefing on the incident.

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