Some armed bandits who stormed Majema, Zurmi Local Government Area of Zamfara State, reportedly kidnapped a bride, three nursing mothers and many others.

The attack which came 48 hours after seven people were kidnapped at a viewing centre in the Birnin Magaji Local Government Area of Zamfara State, reportedly occurred on Monday night. While an eyewitness who spoke to Punch’s correspondent disclosed that 26 people were missing, the police however confirmed 13 people as missing.

An eyewitness who narrated how the armed bandits kidnapped a bride, three nursing mothers and not less than 13 people, said;

“Among those suspected to have been kidnapped were three nursing mothers, a bride and other residents of the village.

“The bandits, who descended on the village, were fully armed and carried out their operation with no resistance, as they shot into the air continuously.”

The police on its own part disclosed that a combined team of the police, military and Civilian Joint Task Force in Zurmi responded promptly and repelled the attack. Spokesperson for the Zamfara State Police Command, Mohammed Shehu in a statement on Tuesday, said;

The attackers were forced to beat a retreat back to the Dumburum forest. Sadly, 13 persons were later discovered to have been kidnapped by the attackers.

“The command, in its efforts to ensure the successful rescue of the kidnapped victims, dispatched a search and rescue operation team to complement the efforts of the joint security personnel currently on extensive bush combing.

“The press will be duly briefed on the outcome of the rescue operation. The command appeals for continued support and cooperation with the police and other security agencies by giving timely and useful information on activities of criminal elements in the state.”