At least 46 individuals, including women and children have been abducted in a raid on Gana town in Zamfara State, according to reports.

The attack took place around 10p.m. on Sunday, as dozens of armed gunmen on motorbikes stormed the area, firing sporadically and setting several homes and businesses ablaze.

Residents who witnessed the attack described a chaotic scene, with people fleeing into nearby bushes to escape the gunmen. The assailants conducted a house-to-house search, abducting those who were unable to flee, particularly targeting women and children.

This incident follows a similar attack last month in which at least 43 people were abducted by gunmen in Kakidawa, located in the Gidan Goga district of Maradun Local Government Area in Zamfara.

In recent weeks, the northern region of Nigeria has seen a sharp increase in kidnappings for ransom, with criminals increasingly targeting vulnerable communities. The violence has raised concerns about the safety and security of residents in the region.

Meanwhile, Nigerian military forces have made significant efforts to combat terrorism in Zamfara. Last month, troops reportedly killed several terrorists in Tsafe Local Government Area after intelligence operations led to a raid on multiple terrorist hideouts. During the operation, air strikes were also launched to target fleeing terrorists attempting to escape with stolen cattle.

Despite these efforts, the region continues to face significant challenges from armed groups engaged in criminal activities, including kidnappings and terrorism.

46 abducted as gunmen raid Zamfara town