ISWAP kidnap security officials as bandits kill 15 worshippers

Ayomikun Elemikan Metro 24/09/2022

No fewer than seven security men have been abducted by the Islamic State of the West African Province (ISWAP) terrorists group while bandits killed 15 worshippers in Zamfara state.

The abduction reportedly happened earlier today in North Eastern Gubio Local Government Area of Borno State.

The kidnapped security men comprised one policeman, four members of the Civilian Joint Task Force(CJTF) and three hunters. They were abducted after they were overpowered by the terrorists who invaded their location in large number.

Police sources informed a security analysis publication focused on the Lake Chad region, Zagazola Makama, the security men were attacked at the Rural Urban Migration Site (RUGA). It is a place situated at Pompom Baliya village, about 5 kilometers to Gubio.

**ISWAP have been responsible for numerous atrocities across the country like kidnappings, killings, among others**

Witnesses said the terrorists left the scene of the abduction in one Hilux patrol vehicle. They were said to have moved toward the Gadai village in Nganzai Local Government area of the state.

… Bandits kill 15 in Zamfara

In another development, suspected bandits have reportedly killed at least 15 worshippers at a mosque in Zamfara state. The mosque is located at Ruwan Jema town in Bukkuyun Local Government Area of the state.

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According to Zagazola Makama, the bandits attacked the mosque during the Jumat prayers on Friday.

The bandits were said to have opened fire on the worshippers after storming the town on motorcycles. Many worshippers were said to have sustained varying degrees of injuries during the attack.

**ISWAP terrorists as well as bandits have attacked churches and mosques severally over the years, killing innocent citizens**

“The terrorists, who rode on motorcycles invaded the mosque and opened fire on worshippers, leading to the death of 15 persons on the spot, while many other victims sustained various degrees of injuries,” the publication quoted a source.

This is not the first time insurgents will attack worshipper during prayers in Mosques in Zamfara.

On 2 September, gunmen invaded a mosque in Zugu community in Zamfara state, and took away many worshippers. The gunmen, who disguised as worshippers, attacked the central mosque in Zugu town, Bukkuyum LGA.

Abdulkareem Bilyaminu, a resident, also reportedly claimed that the deputy chief imam was among those abducted by the gunmen.

The ISWAP terrorists’ kidnap of security officials and bandits’ killing of worshippers are some of growing security concerns in Nigeria.