Armed bandits ambushed an articulated truck conveying vegetables and passengers along the Gummi–Sokoto highway in Zamfara State, killing one passenger, injuring another and abducting several travellers before security operatives rescued 11 of the victims.

The Zamfara State Police Command disclosed that the attack occurred at about 10:30 a.m. when a large group of gunmen opened fire on the moving truck, forcing the driver to lose control and veer off the road.

The police identified the deceased as Dan Fati Umar, a resident of Gidan Ganja via Bukuyum, while another victim sustained serious injuries and is currently receiving medical treatment.

According to the police, the attackers whisked away an unspecified number of passengers into the bush before a joint security response led to the rescue of 11 kidnapped victims, who have since been reunited with their families.

The command, however, said efforts were still underway to rescue the remaining abductees and track down the gunmen responsible for the attack.

“The trailer involved in the attack remains under police protection, while efforts are ongoing to rescue the remaining abducted victims and apprehend the perpetrators,” the police said in a statement.

Reacting to the incident, the Zamfara State Commissioner of Police, Ahmad Muhammad Bello, commiserated with the family of the deceased and wished the injured victim a speedy recovery.

He assured residents that the command remained committed to protecting lives and property, urging members of the public to continue providing credible and timely information to security agencies to aid ongoing operations.