Bandits have once again wrought tragedy upon Zamfara State, claiming the life of Sheikh Ahmad Rufa’i, the Chief Imam of the Central Mosque in Keita village, Tsafe Local Government Area (LGA).
The attack unfolded shortly after Muslims concluded their isha’i (night) congregational prayer.
This distressing event unfolds just three weeks after the brutal murder of Imam Abubakar Hassan Mada, the Chief Imam of the Central Mosque in Mada, Gusau LGA.
Eyewitness Ibrahim Musa Keita, a resident of Keita village, recounted that the bandits were initially sighted along the Kwarin Gano-Keita Road.
Despite warnings to the villagers about their presence, the bandits pressed on with their assault.
After their unsuccessful attempt to abduct travelers along the road, they turned their violence towards Keita village, where they killed the chief imam and abducted numerous individuals, including women.
“Before the attack, there were reports of bandits moving along the Kwarin Gano-Keita Road. They were seen along that route, but it was uncertain if they would target our village,” Keita shared.
“At first, they seemed intent on abducting travelers along the Keita-Kwarin Gano Road. However, failing to capture anyone, they eventually raided Keita village, resulting in the tragic loss of our chief imam and the abduction of many, including women.”
“We are still unable to confirm the exact number of those taken, as some villagers fled into the bush and have yet to return,” he added.
In a separate incident, two individuals were kidnapped in Magazu village, Tsafe LGA, during the early hours of Tuesday.
According to Yusuf Ibrahim, a resident, the bandits descended on the village around 3 am, unleashing a barrage of gunfire that sent most residents fleeing from their homes.
Aminu Kwalfada, from Kwalfada village, expressed sorrow over how the constant threat of banditry has forced residents to forgo the use of loudspeakers during mosque prayers.
ASP. Abubakar Yazid, the Police Public Relations Officer for Zamfara State Command, was unable to provide detailed information at the time of reporting. However, he assured the public that updates would be shared as soon as they were available.