By Hassan Haruna
In a tragic incident on Sunday, terrorists attacked the community of Ruwan Doruwa in Zamfara State, resulting in the death of a mobile policeman from the Maru police division. The assailants, numbering several, targeted the town around 1:00 a.m., engaging in a more than two-hour assault. Regrettably, the policeman lost his life during the attack.
Reports from residents indicate that 13 individuals, comprising six women, five men, and two children, were abducted by the terrorists. The motive behind the abductions appears to be ransom-driven, as the attackers aim to extract payment before releasing the captives.
A community leader, who spoke on the condition of anonymity due to security concerns, disclosed that terrorists have been deliberately focusing their attacks on residents who are returning home with freshly harvested farm produce.
The anonymous source expressed deep concern over this targeted approach, emphasizing the vulnerability of individuals engaged in agricultural activities and the need for enhanced security measures to safeguard the community from such attacks.
The revelation underscores the challenges faced by local populations in regions affected by terrorism, highlighting the impact on agricultural practices and the broader implications for food security in the area.
“The terrorists surrounded the town and started shooting. Some entered and began shooting, resulting in the tragic death of the policeman.
Most of the abducted women are married, and it seems the terrorists sought to exploit the agricultural activities of the community,” the community leader explained in Hausa.
Faisal Ibrahim, a resident, shared the distressing news that his sister, Zainab, married to the district head of the area, was among those abducted.
Unfortunately, the situation in Maru reflects the broader security challenges faced by communities in Zamfara, with frequent attacks by terrorists.
Maru, a locality distinguished as one of the most vulnerable areas within the state, has borne witness to a succession of incidents that underscore its precarious security situation.
Over the span of more than a decade, the Northwest subregion has been entangled in the pervasive and persistent challenge of terrorism, often colloquially labeled as banditry.
The region continues to contend with the multifaceted complexities and repercussions of these recurrent security issues, shaping the sociopolitical landscape and leaving an indelible impact on the lives of its residents.
These terrorists have left a trail of death, abductions, and displacement, targeting schools, religious institutions, travelers, and rural communities.
Despite attempts to address the security crisis, the region continues to endure the devastating impact of these attacks, leaving communities in a state of fear and vulnerability.
Efforts to reach the Zamfara police spokesperson, Yazid Abubakar, for comment on the recent attack proved unsuccessful.
