....Including chief imam who regained freedom recently from captivity

Again, rampaging bandits have attacked communities in Wanke, near Gusau, the capital of Zamfara State, where they abducted no fewer than 100 citizens and took them into the bush.

Women, children and the aged, including the Chief Imam, who was treating leg injury, were among the victims abducted.

"This is the second time the Imam was abducted," a source told Vanguard.

The state government and the police were yet to react to the incidences at press time.

However, a survivor has told the BBC Hausa Service in an interview monitored by our correspondent, yesterday, that the affected communities were under siege and people were migrating for fear of further attacks.

"Near Sabon Layi, over 50 persons were taken away, and near Dagon Hayi about 50 persons were also abducted," he alleged.

He said they were still counting, since some of the locals were terribly frightened and ran for safety.

"The terrorists were chasing people as if they were chasing animals. It was quite a disturbing scenario, watching how people were being chased.

"They were chasing them on motorbikes, they traced women to their houses and abducted them. Some were even intercepted while running away and were herded like animals to the bush.

"These terrorists attacked Gira, Ruwa Kusa, Dogon Hayi and Gidan Kado communities, where they stole motorcycles, farm produce and phones. They burgled shops and stole provisions.

"Officials at Wanke were informed but no action was taken as at now, that we can confirm."

He alleged that they've been having these attacks on their communities for the past nine years.

"We are being faced with this calamity and had even migrated to Gusau and other places. There are no animals here, anymore.

"Once night falls, everyone would be deeply worried as sleeping in the communities would be extremely dangerous."

According to the BBC Hausa report, efforts to get police reaction on the incidents were not successful.