More than 80 people, mostly women, have reportedly been abducted in separate bandit attacks on communities in Niger and Zamfara states.
The incidents occurred over the weekend as armed groups targeted farmers and residents in rural communities affected by persistent insecurity.
In Niger State, at least 47 farmers were reportedly kidnapped on Saturday while harvesting groundnuts in Rimi community, Mariga Local Government Area.
Most of the victims were women, according to security reports and local sources.
A source said heavily armed bandits invaded the farmlands, rounded up the farmers and took them to an unknown destination.
A separate attack was reported on Sunday in Yargada community, Gusau Local Government Area of Zamfara State, where about 40 women were reportedly abducted.
Residents said the attackers also raided neighbouring communities, setting several houses ablaze and forcing residents to flee their homes.
A resident of Magama Mairake, Adamu Lawwali, said the attackers continued burning houses after the initial assault.
“The bandits have been burning houses since yesterday and the situation remains tense,” Lawwali told AFP.
He said the full extent of the casualties and property damage could not yet be established because many residents had fled and would need to return to assess the situation.
Another resident, Umar Abdullahi, attributed the Zamfara attack to an alleged reprisal by the bandits following recent operations by local vigilantes.
He said the number of people abducted could be higher than the figures initially reported.
The latest incidents have further raised concerns over the safety of farmers and rural communities in the two states, where attacks and abductions have repeatedly disrupted farming activities.
Security agencies had yet to issue official statements on the reported attacks and abductions as of the time of filing this report.
