Predominantly women and children—from several villages in Zamfara State, according to Amnesty International.
In a detailed statement, the human rights organization raised alarm over the scale and frequency of such attacks in the region, emphasizing that the victims were taken during coordinated raids on vulnerable rural communities.
The incident highlights the persistent insecurity in northwestern Nigeria, where armed groups have continued to target civilians through kidnappings, killings, and village destructions.
Amnesty International condemned the abductions, describing them as a grave violation of human rights and a reflection of the authorities’ ongoing failure to adequately protect at-risk populations.
The organization called on the Nigerian government to take immediate and decisive action to secure the safe release of the abducted individuals, as well as to implement stronger measures to prevent further attacks.
Residents in the affected areas reportedly face constant fear, with many forced to flee their homes due to repeated incursions by gunmen.
Amnesty International further urged the government to prioritize the safety of women and children, who remain disproportionately affected by these violent incidents, and to ensure that perpetrators are brought to justice.
The situation underscores the urgent need for a comprehensive security response and sustained efforts to address the root causes of violence in Zamfara State and the wider region.