Zamfara state is one of the worst hit by the armed gangs, known locally as bandits, who terrorise and abduct for ransom, adding to growing insecurity ahead of a presidential vote in February.

In separate attacks, bandits kidnapped 50 people, mostly women, in Bukkuyum,  abducted at least 20 people working on their farms in Gusau, and killed 11 people and abducted at least seven farmers in Bungudu and Zurmi.