The authorities in the north-western Nigerian state of Zamfara say at least 130 people have been kidnapped by gunmen in a series of attacks in two di
The authorities in the north-western Nigerian state of Zamfara say at least 130 people have been kidnapped by gunmen in a series of attacks in two different parts of the state.
Information commissioner Ibrahim Dosara told the BBC efforts were under way to rescue the hostages.
The mass kidnappings happened over the weekend when armed men on motorbikes raided several villages.
Reports suggest the victims include women and children – some seized while working on farms.
It’s harvesting season in Nigeria and armed kidnapping gangs have recently targeted farm workers in the region.
In some areas in the north-west of the country, the kidnappers have imposed levies on farmers as a condition to allow them harvest their crops unhindered.
Nigeria is grappling with an endemic kidnapping crisis by criminal gangs seeking ransom.
The insecurity is one of the key campaign issues ahead of the country’s elections scheduled for February next year – when a successor to President Muhammadu Buhari will be chosen.
BBC Africa
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