Bandits have struck once again, claiming the life of Sheikh Ahmad Rufa’i, the Chief Imam of the Central Mosque in Keita village, Zamfara State. This tragic incident follows closely on the heels of the recent murder of Imam Abubakar Hassan Mada, the Chief Imam of the Central Mosque in Mada, Gusau LGA, Zamfara State, which deeply shook Muslim communities.
Residents recount the harrowing events as bandits descended upon Keita village shortly after the night congregational prayer. Ibrahim Musa Keita, a resident, shared their ordeal, highlighting the initial sighting of the bandits along Kwarin Gano-Keita Road and the subsequent invasion of the village. He lamented the loss of their chief imam and the abduction of numerous villagers, including women. The exact count of those abducted remains uncertain, as some individuals sought refuge in the bush and are yet to be found.
In another distressing occurrence, two individuals were reported abducted in Magazu village, Tsafe LGA, during a predawn raid by bandits. Yusuf Ibrahim, a resident, described the chaos as the assailants unleashed gunfire, prompting many to flee their homes for safety.
Furthermore, Aminu Kwalfada, from the neighboring Kwalfada village, expressed dismay over the prevailing situation, revealing that the relentless activities of bandits have compelled residents to forgo the use of loudspeakers during mosque prayers.
ASP Abubakar Yazid, the Police Public Relations Officer for Zamfara State Command, has been approached for comment regarding the incident. He assured that information would be provided once details were obtained, though no update was available at the time of reporting last night.