In the northwestern part of Nigeria, gunmen have kidnapped at least 80 people and killed 11 others in separate attacks, traditional leaders and residents said on Monday.

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

According to reports, the remote village of Masu, in the Bukkuyum local government area, has recorded bandits kidnap 50 people, mostly women, and families of the victims.

“Armed men arrived in his village early on Monday, rounded up dozens of women and some men and disappeared into the forest” an eyewitness accounted.

One traditional leader also said "we had over 50 married women being abducted along with an unknown number of innocent farmers."

Bashiru Muawiya Mesudan, the administrator for the Bukuyum local government area told the press that local authorities were still investigating the situation. 

However, Zamfara state police spokesman Mohammed Shehu is yet to respond to calls and texts seeking comment.

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