Fresh insecurity has gripped parts of Zamfara State as suspected bandits mounted coordinated attacks on major highways, abducting several travellers and killing at least one person in separate incidents across Maradun and Bukkuyum Local Government Areas.
The attacks, which reportedly occurred on key transit routes, have heightened fears among residents and road users, with concerns mounting over the persistent lack of adequate security presence on the affected corridors.
Details of the incidents emerged through a security update shared on X by a security analyst, Bakatsine, who disclosed that the assailants first struck along the Janbako–Maradun road in Maradun LGA.
During the attack, the gunmen were said to have blocked the highway, opened fire on travellers, killed one victim, and whisked away several others to an unknown destination.
In a similar operation, the bandits reportedly intercepted vehicles along the Gurusu–Anka road, targeting commuters, including phone dealers said to be returning from the Nasarawar Bukkuyyum market in Bukkuyum LGA.
The back-to-back attacks underscore the growing audacity of armed groups operating in the state, as well as the vulnerability of major roads frequently used by traders and travellers.
Reacting to the incidents, Bakatsine questioned the continued exposure of commuters to danger, asking how long highways in the region would remain deadly zones without sustained security intervention and accountability.
As of the time of filing this report, authorities had yet to release an official statement on the attacks, leaving families of the victims and residents anxiously awaiting updates.