By Erewunmi Peace

Armed bandits have abducted at least 40 worshippers during early morning prayers in Gidan Turbe village, Tsafe Local Government Area of Zamfara State, raising fears that a fragile peace deal in the region has collapsed.

The attack occurred at about 5:30 a.m. when the gunmen stormed a mosque and whisked away worshippers into nearby forests along the Gohori axis. Residents say the armed men operated freely before security reinforcements arrived.

The abduction comes despite ongoing peace agreements between local communities and armed groups in Zamfara and neighbouring Katsina states. Analysts say the incident underscores the breakdown of those accords, which were meant to reduce attacks and kidnappings.

Local vigilante groups have reportedly launched search operations in nearby forests, while families of the victims are anxiously awaiting word on their fate. Authorities are yet to confirm whether contact has been made with the kidnappers or if ransom demands have been issued.

Zamfara has been one of the hardest-hit states in Nigeria’s North-West, with frequent cases of mass abductions, killings, and attacks on rural communities despite government efforts at peace negotiations and security operations.

The latest incident has once again thrown the spotlight on the worsening insecurity in the region and raised questions about the sustainability of dialogue-based approaches with armed groups.