Bandits launched an assault on a mosque in Tsafe town, the administrative center of Tsafe Local Government Area in Zamfara State, kidnapping numerous worshippers during the early hours of Thursday, February 29, 2024, as they were preparing for morning prayers.
“We were on the verge of commencing the morning prayers today, Thursday when suddenly the bandits infiltrated the mosque and instructed everyone to vacate and follow them,” recounted Garba, a resident, to Punch.
“Everyone scattered in panic, but the bandits sealed off all exits and threatened to execute anyone attempting to flee.
"I managed to leap out of a window and swiftly sought refuge in an unfinished building adjacent to the mosque, where I concealed myself.”
Garba disclosed that the bandits purposely left their motorcycles a distance away from the mosque to avoid detection by worshippers.
“They approached on foot, leaving their motorcycles on the outskirts of town to evade suspicion. Subsequently, they corralled the worshippers to their waiting motorcycles and transported them into the forest,” he elaborated.
Garba speculated that the number of abducted worshippers could exceed 30.
“The mosque was brimming with worshippers when the bandits struck, and only a handful of us managed to evade capture.”
A community leader, speaking anonymously to the publication, revealed that members of the Community Protection Guards are currently in pursuit of the bandits to secure the release of the kidnapped worshippers.
Personal quote: "In times of crisis, unity and swift action are paramount. Our community stands resilient, and we are determined to ensure the safe return of our fellow worshippers."
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