Gidan-Goga, Zamfara State—Bandits in Zamfara State have turned down a N3 million ransom offered by residents for the release of 26 individuals abducted from Gidan-Goga village in Maradun Local Government Area.

Abubakar Shehu, a resident of the village whose three daughters are among the abductees, disclosed this during a phone interview on Monday.

“The bandits rejected the N3 million we raised and dismissed us as unserious,” Shehu lamented. “Their leader switched off his phone after the rejection, and we have been unable to reach him since.”

Shehu clarified that 26 individuals—19 females and seven males—were kidnapped during the Sunday attack, correcting earlier reports that put the figure at 50. Among the abductees is one of his daughters, who was preparing for marriage before the incident.

According to Shehu, the bandits launched the attack on the village and took the captives to a nearby camp. Despite contacting the villagers to demand a ransom, they did not specify the amount required.

Persistent Insecurity

The Gidan-Goga community has been a frequent target of bandit attacks, leaving many residents in fear and prompting some to flee the area. Shehu expressed frustration over the lack of response from security agencies, despite the incident being reported.

“We have informed security personnel in the local government, but no action has been taken,” he said. “This is not the first time our village has been attacked, and it seems we are left to our fate.”

Efforts to reach Zamfara State Commissioner of Police, Mohammed Shehu Dalijan, for comments were unsuccessful, as he did not respond to calls.

The incident underscores the ongoing security crisis in Zamfara State, where communities remain vulnerable to banditry and other forms of violence. Residents have repeatedly called on authorities to take decisive action to restore peace and protect lives and property.