Suspected bandits have abducted several women in Maniya Forest, Shinkafi Local Government Area of Zamfara State, with some of the victims alleging sexual assault.
According to sources available to Zagazola Makama, 39 women and girls entered the forest on Monday to fetch firewood when they were ambushed by armed men.
Out of the group, 11 victims managed to escape and return home on Tuesday, while the remaining women are still being held by their captors.
The returnees alleged they were sexually assaulted before being released. They have since been taken to the hospital for medical examination.
Security forces, supported by local vigilantes and community volunteers, have launched search-and-rescue operations aimed at locating the abductors and freeing the remaining victims.
