In the early hours of Monday, armed bandits stormed a mosque in Gidan Turbe village, Tsafe Local Government Area of Zamfara State, abducting at least 40 worshippers during morning prayers. This incident followed another attack on Sunday in Godai village, Bukkuyum LGA of Zamfara, where more than 10 people were also kidnapped.

Eyewitnesses reported that the bandits surrounded the mosque around 5:30 a.m. and forced worshippers into the nearby forests around the Gohori area. These incidents have raised renewed concerns over the collapse of peace accords recently reached between local authorities and criminal groups operating in the North-West. A peace deal was signed just weeks earlier on August 28, 2025, in Katsina State between community leaders and bandits in a bid to end violence, abductions, and cattle rustling in the region.

However, security experts argue that the lack of central leadership among the bandits undermines such agreements, as some factions continue attacks even while others negotiate. Recent military operations under Operation Fasan Yamma (OPFY) have had some success in intercepting terrorists in parts of Katsina, Kebbi, and Zamfara states, recovering items and repelling attacks. Still, the region remains volatile.

In a related development, gunmen abducted Reverend Father Wilfred Ezemba, a Catholic priest from St Paul’s Parish in Agaliga, Kogi State, along with several unidentified passengers. The kidnapping took place on the Imane-Ogugu road, sparking concern among the local Catholic community, as no ransom demand has yet been made. Security forces continue to search for the priest and others in the surrounding forest areas.