By Asaye Bankole
Armed attackers have abducted 13 women and an infant in northeastern Nigeria’s Sokoto State. The victims include a bride, 10 bridesmaids, a baby, and two other women, who were taken during an overnight raid in the village of Chacho.
This incident is the latest in a series of mass kidnappings in Nigeria, where armed gangs often target schools and rural communities for ransom .
The abduction has added to the pressure on the Nigerian government, with President Bola Tinubu declaring a nationwide emergency. The government is facing criticism for its handling of the security crisis, with some experts arguing that deals struck with neighboring states may have emboldened the attackers .
Armed bandits raided Chacho village in Sokoto State, Nigeria, kidnapping 14 people, including a bride, 10 bridesmaids, a baby, the baby’s mother, and another woman.
“This isn’t the first time Chacho has been targeted; in October, bandits abducted 13 people, and the community had to pay a ransom for their release. The villagers are now facing a similar situation, with the bandits yet to make any demands” said Aliyu Abdullahi a resident in the Village.
Nigeria is experiencing a surge in mass kidnappings, particularly in the northern region. A recent intelligence report revealed that Sokoto state saw a significant increase in bandit-initiated abductions in November, marking the highest number of such attacks in the past year. This rise is possibly linked to deals made by neighboring states with the bandits, which may have inadvertently encouraged more attacks.
Recent incidents include the abduction of 25 students in Kebbi State and over 300 in Niger State. Fortunately, the Kebbi students have been rescued and reunited with their families, but the Niger State abductees are still missing.
These mass kidnappings for ransom have become alarmingly common in northern Nigeria, with armed gangs targeting schools and rural communities, often outnumbering local security forces.
The Nigerian government has declared a national emergency and is working to improve security measures .
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