Gang attack in Nigeria: 9 dead, many abducted

Nine people were reportedly killed and many abducted in an attack carried out by armed gang members in Zamfara state in northwestern Nigeria.

According to national media reports, gang members carried out an armed attack in the Tofa district of Zamfara state. Nine people were killed in the attack, and dozens were abducted by the gunmen.

Nigeria has long been the scene of attacks by armed gangs operating in various parts of the country, as well as terrorist organizations Boko Haram and ISWAP, the West African affiliate of ISIS. These groups, particularly active in the northern regions, target rural areas, carrying out attacks on villagers, students, and travelers.

Kidnappings for ransom are common in Nigeria, where the crime carries a death penalty, yet armed gangs continue to operate. Authorities say they demand ransom from the families of those kidnapped, while the country's security forces have been criticized for their inadequacy in handling such cases.

The latest attack has once again highlighted the ongoing security crisis in the country and the threat civilians face from armed groups. While no official statement has yet been released regarding the fate of the abducted individuals, operations in the region are reportedly ongoing.