Gunmen kidnaped at least 80 people, including women and children, in Nigeria’s Zamfara state, local sources reported on Saturday.

The incident took place on Friday in Wanzamai village in Tsafe local government area in Zamfara, which is one of the states most affected by kidnappings.

Zamfara police spokesperson Mohammed Shehu said that security forces had commenced a search and rescue operation for the victims.

Kidnapping is a significant security concern in Nigeria, particularly in the northern and central parts of the country. The kidnapping industry in Nigeria has grown significantly in recent years, fueled by a mix of political, economic, and social factors. Criminal gangs, armed groups, and militants are among the most active kidnappers in the country. The targets of kidnappings range from high-profile individuals, such as politicians and businesspeople, to ordinary citizens.

In addition to criminal gangs and terrorist groups, there have been reports of state actors engaging in kidnappings. For example, the Nigerian military has been accused of abducting individuals suspected of having links to Boko Haram and other armed groups.

The Nigerian government has taken steps to address the issue of kidnapping in the country, including increased security measures and the establishment of anti-kidnapping units. However, the problem persists, and there is a need for sustained efforts to address the root causes of kidnapping in Nigeria. (ILKHA)