Bandits reportedly blocked the Gusau-Funtua highway near Tsafe town in Zamfara State on Friday, leaving several travellers feared abducted and commuters stranded.
The attack happened less than a kilometre from Tsafe, the headquarters of Tsafe Local Government Area, with the bandits taking control of the road around the mountainous area.
A commuter who escaped told Daily Trust that the attackers blocked the highway and took passengers travelling in a Sharon Toyota vehicle and a petroleum tanker. He said the incident was followed by heavy, sporadic gunfire that continued for a long time.
Two Tsafe residents also confirmed hearing the shooting but said they could not determine how many people were abducted or identify them.
“Quite all right, we heard sporadic shooting, and the sound of the gunfire was very serious. It lasted for a long time before everything returned to normal,” one resident said.
A commuter who later passed through the area after security personnel cleared the road said he saw the Sharon vehicle and tanker abandoned with their doors open. The Sharon contained only luggage and bags.
“The security personnel cleared the road for us. As we entered Tsafe town, I saw a Sharon vehicle that had apparently been used to transport passengers. Its doors were open, but there was no one inside, only luggage and bags that had been left behind.
“Only God knows what happened to those who were inside. Perhaps they managed to escape, or perhaps they were abducted,” he said.
He also saw the tanker’s engine running slowly, with nobody inside.
“It is possible that the people who were inside fled, or perhaps they were kidnapped too,” he said.
A yellow-painted bus was also found overturned nearby.
“It is possible that the driver panicked while trying to turn and lost control, causing the vehicle to overturn, or perhaps it was the work of the bandits. Allah knows best,” he said.
Another stranded traveller praised the security forces.
“Honestly, our security personnel did their best. There was gunfire all around, and their efforts gave us hope that the road would eventually be cleared,” he said.
The Gusau-Funtua highway links Zamfara and Katsina states and has faced attacks and abductions in recent times.
