Scores of travellers abducted as suspected bandits block highway in Zamfara

Suspected bandits have reportedly obstructed the busy Gusau–Funtua highway, kidnapping an unspecified number of travellers.

According to Channels Television, Yusuf Tsafe, a commuter stranded in the area, said that the bandits set up a roadblock at the Tazame axis early on Thursday.

Reports said that the bandits, armed with about 50 motorcycles, each carrying three people, abducted several travellers and remained on the road for hours.

Tsafe described how the bandits began their operation around 7 am. and continued until at about 9 am.

Despite military efforts to address the situation, the road remained blocked, and no vehicles had been allowed to pass as of press time.

Another commuter confirmed that the Magazu–Kucheri Road, which links Gusau to Funtua, has also been blocked by the bandits.

“They entered the road around 7 am, and until around 9am, they were still there. We just parked by the roadside waiting for the military to clear the road, we are seeing the bandits taking people inside the bush.

“The military guntruck moved to the area earlier. We were just hearing gunshots, but they are yet to open the road. Till now, no vehicle has been allowed to pass.”

Another commuter also confirmed to Channels Television that Magazu – Kucheri Road, which is also the road linking Gusau to Funtua, has been blocked by bandits this morning

“The military men asked us to stop because the bandits blocked the road. We are still waiting for them to clear the road,” the source said.

Meanwhile, the spokesperson for the Zamfara State Police Command, ASP Yazid Abubakar, stated that additional troops, including operatives from the Nigerian Police Mobile Squad, have been deployed to clear the road.