Dozens kidnapped by motorcycle 'bandits' in north Nigeria

Residents in Nigeria's northwest have reported that gunmen abducted over 100 people in Zamfara state. Witnesses said that armed men on motorcycles invaded villages and kidnapped the residents after they failed to pay a "tax" imposed on them.

Kidnapping for ransom has become a prevalent issue in this region, with armed gangs known as bandits targeting villages, schools, and travelers, demanding large sums of money. Reuters reported that one person was killed in the attack. 

A resident from the village of Mutunji, who was abducted but managed to escape, revealed that the bandits took primarily women and young people. According to locals, the leader of the gunmen is called "Damana." 

The area is under the control of the terrorists - they force us to work in the forest as agricultural laborers, and when we return, they enter the town and consume meat, tea, and bottled goods without paying, said one villager.

Nigeria is currently confronted with numerous security challenges. These include the presence of jihadist insurgency in the northern region, deadly conflicts between herders and farmers, a separatist insurgency in the southeast, and militants in the Niger Delta demanding a larger portion of oil profits.

President Bola Tinubu, who assumed office in May, has yet to outline his approach to address the rampant insecurity. During his election campaign, Mr. Tinubu's team acknowledged the difficulty and emphasized his experience as the former governor of northeastern Borno state, which is home to numerous Islamist militant groups and the Boko Haram insurgency. 

According to BBC.