Bandits struck again in Zamfara State, this time claiming the life of Sheikh Ahmad Rufa’I, the revered Chief Imam of Keita village’s Central Mosque in Tsafe LGA.
The tragic incident occurred shortly after the night congregational prayer, adding to the recent spate of violence in the region.
Eyewitnesses reported the bandits’ presence along the Keita-Kwarin Gano Road prior to the attack, raising concerns among residents. Despite initial attempts to target road users, the assailants turned their attention to Keita village, where they launched a deadly assault, resulting in the death of Sheikh Rufa’i and the abduction of several individuals, including women. The exact number of abductees remains unconfirmed, as some residents sought refuge in the bush and are yet to be located.
In a separate incident, two individuals were reportedly kidnapped in Magazu village, further exacerbating the sense of insecurity gripping the area. Residents recounted fleeing their homes in fear as the bandits unleashed terror in the early hours of the morning.
The pervasive threat posed by banditry has forced communities like Kwalfada village to silence their mosque loudspeakers during prayers, underscoring the pervasive fear and disruption wrought by the violence.
While the police have been called upon to address the escalating crisis, their response has been awaited, with ASP Abubakar Yazid, the Police Public Relations Officer for Zamfara State Command, pledging to provide updates on the situation. However, at the time of reporting, no official statement had been issued, leaving residents grappling with uncertainty and grief in the wake of yet another tragic loss.