The African Union (AU) has denounced the killing of more than 50 civilians and the abduction of women and children following coordinated attacks in Zamfara State.
In a statement issued on Sunday through its official website, the Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, condemned what he described as “heinous and coordinated terrorist attacks” carried out on February 21, 2026, in northwestern Nigeria. The attacks, he noted, left over 50 civilians dead and several women and children taken captive.
The continental body stated that it firmly rejects acts of terrorism and violent extremism targeting civilian populations, particularly vulnerable groups such as women and children. It described such violence as serious violations of human rights and a threat to peace and stability across the region.
Youssouf expressed solidarity with the Nigerian government and its citizens, extending condolences to families who lost loved ones and wishing those injured a speedy recovery. He also reiterated the AU’s continued support for Nigeria’s efforts to tackle insecurity and restore peace.
The AU chairperson called for the immediate and unconditional release of all abducted victims, urging stronger cooperation and coordinated measures to safeguard civilians and prevent similar incidents in the future. He emphasized that collective action remains central to the African Union’s peace and security objectives.
The condemnation followed reports that armed assailants attacked Dutsin Dan Ajiya village in Anka Local Government Area of Zamfara State late Thursday night. Residents said the attackers stormed the community with advanced weapons and reportedly blocked access routes to prevent people from fleeing.
One local resident recounted that gunmen opened fire indiscriminately after sealing off the roads, forcing villagers to scatter in different directions. Initial accounts suggested about 30 fatalities, but later reports indicated the death toll had risen to more than 50. Several others were injured, while a number of residents remain unaccounted for.
The assault was said to have continued into the early hours of Friday, with multiple women and children reportedly abducted. A video seen on Saturday showed the bodies of victims wrapped in white cloth ahead of a mass burial.
Zamfara has experienced recurring attacks by armed groups in recent years, with rural communities frequently bearing the brunt of the violence.
