Nigeria: Armed Gang Abducts Over 50 People

An armed gang has abducted more than 50 people in northwestern Nigeria, according to a conflict monitoring report. The incident occurred in the village of Sabon Garin Damri, in Zamfara State.

The crisis in Nigeria began as a conflict between herders and farmers over natural resources but has evolved into organized crime. Gangs are looting rural areas and demanding ransom.

The report states that this is the first mass abduction in the Bakura area this year. The trend of mass abductions in Zamfara is alarming, as bandits are changing their strategy towards large-scale attacks.

The attacks have exacerbated the malnutrition crisis, forcing people to abandon their farms. Armed gangs also impose taxes on farmers and miners.

Nigerian forces killed 95 gang members in a shootout and airstrikes. However, airstrikes have also killed civilians. The bandits are collaborating with jihadist groups, worsening the violence.