A mass kidnap has been reported in Zamfara, with no fewer than 80 children reportedly abducted by bandits in Tsafe Local Government Area of the state.

The children, aged between 12 and 17 years, were taken away on Friday morning, April 7, 2023, BBC Hausa reported.

Some parents of the abducted children who spoke to the British broadcaster said the victims were in the bush fetching firewood at about 8:00 a.m. when the assailants rounded them up and marched them away into the forest.

A report on the incident by People’s Gazette noted that “bandits’ activities have refused to abate in Zamfara despite several government intervention to stem the criminal activity. Hundreds of schoolchildren have been kidnapped and some later released upon payment of ransom.”

The abductors were yet to reach the parents to make any demands as at the time BBC reported the kidnap.