Title: Fatshimetrie: Fear of Kidnappings Persists in Northwestern Nigeria
In a context of ongoing terror, new victims have been abducted in Zamfara, a state in northwestern Nigeria. Armed men armed with assault rifles burst into the village of Kafin Dawa, abducting women and children. Testimonies from horrified residents confirm a scenario worthy of the worst nightmares: more than 50 women, married or young girls, missing in an operation that sowed terror at every door crossed.
Hassan Ya’u, one of the lucky ones to have escaped this carnage, recounted the atmosphere of fear that enveloped the village during this infernal night. Another witness confirmed that 43 people were abducted, while the entire community was shaken by deadly detonations.
Faced with this increase in kidnappings, the Zamfara police quickly mobilized reinforcements to secure the region. However, these measures seem derisory in the face of the resurgence of criminal acts.
Northwestern Nigeria has become a sanctuary for armed groups, nicknamed “bandits”, who thrive on poverty, unemployment and the proliferation of illegal weapons. Kidnappings for ransom are increasing, regularly targeting schools and villages.
This new kidnapping follows in the footsteps of previous attacks, including the terrible abduction of 130 schoolchildren in Kuriga earlier this year and the infamous Boko Haram raid in Chibok in 2014, where 276 schoolgirls were taken, some of whom are still missing. Since 2014, more than 1,400 children have suffered the same fate in similar attacks.
Attempts to stem these crimes face major obstacles, plunging communities into fear and insecurity. The anxiety of kidnapping persists in northwest Nigeria, fueling a humanitarian emergency that demands firm action and a concerted international response.