No fewer than 20 persons re reportedly missing after unknown gunmen invaded a mosque in Kanoma, Maru Local Government Area of Zamfara State and abducted some worshippers
According to Zamfara State Police Command, the suspected bandits gunmen invaded the mosque at about 2pm on Friday during the congressional prayer.
Confirming the incident, Police spokesperson Muhammad Shehu however said five persons were abducted, while two killed during the attack
He assured that security agents were already on the kidnappers’ in other to free the kidnapped victims.
But an eyewitness account said the Imam was among those taken by the bandits who had waited patiently until the worshippers were engrossed with the day’s sermon before launching the strike to abduct their victims.
Reports said the abductees were then marched to the bush by the gunmen and thoroughly screened, while a roll call was taken from a prepared list to ensure only those targeted and wanted were picked up in the raid.
A competent source said; “They selected 20 persons that were specially listed for abduction.”
Unfortunately, sources said about five persons were killed by the gunmen after the screening, while the 20 abductees were taken away with a yet-to-be determined number of persons injured in the incident.
Similarly, some armed men early on Monday reportedly invaded Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) staff quarters, Zaria in Kaduna State to abduct a member of staff, his wife and their daughter.
In a statement confirming the incident, the University’s Director of Public Affairs, Malam Auwalu Umar, said security operatives had engaged the kidnappers in exchange of gun fire.
Umar, who said the Inspector General of Police (IGP) Mohammed Adamu has been informed of the incident, however gave the cheering news that the university official’s wife and daughter were later released by their kidnappers.
Umar said the Vice Chancellor Professor Kabir Bala has therefore called on the university community to be vigilant always – With Agency reports
