Gunmen Kidnap 80 People, Mostly Women, Children in Nigeria

Residents in the Nigerian state of Zamfara confirmed today (Saturday) that gunmen have kidnapped at least 80 people, most of them women and children, in the state, which is a hotbed of kidnappings for ransom by armed gangs in remote villages.

Gangs of militants have attacked hundreds of communities in northwest Nigeria in the past few years, while Islamist militants continue to launch attacks in the northeast.

Three residents said the latest kidnapping took place on Friday in Wanzamay village in the state. Zamfara is one of the states hardest hit by kidnappings.

Mohamed Shehu, a spokesman for the Zamfara police, confirmed the incident in a statement but did not say how many people had been kidnapped. He said the police are working with the army and local security guards to rescue the victims.

According to residents, the militants have not yet demanded a ransom.

Amina Tsafi said her daughter was among those kidnapped and that most of the kidnapped minors were between 12 and 17 years old.

Kidnappers in Nigeria often keep their hostages for months if a ransom is not paid and also demand that villagers pay a royalty to allow them to plant and harvest their crops.