The African Union has condemned the killing of more than 50 civilians and the abduction of women and children during coordinated attacks in Zamfara State.

In a statement published on its official website on Sunday, the Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, said he “strongly condemns the heinous and coordinated terrorist attacks perpetrated on February 21, 2026, in Zamfara State, Northwestern Nigeria,” which “resulted in the killing of more than 50 civilians and the abduction of women and children.”

The AU said it “unequivocally rejects all acts of terrorism and violent extremism against civilian populations, particularly women and children,” describing them as “grave violations of human rights and serious threats to peace, security, and stability.”

Youssouf expressed the union’s “full solidarity with the Government and people of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” conveyed “heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families,” and wished a swift recovery to the injured.

He also reaffirmed the AU’s “unwavering support for Nigeria’s efforts to address insecurity and restore lasting peace.”

The Chairperson further called for the “immediate, safe, and unconditional release of all abducted women and children,” and urged “strengthened, coordinated, and collective action to protect civilian populations and prevent the recurrence of such atrocities,” in line with the AU’s commitment to peace, security and stability on the continent.

Zamfara State, last Thursday night, was reportedly attacked by bandits, killing no fewer than 50 residents of Dutsin Dan Ajiya village in Anka Local Government Area.

Corpses of the victims were wrapped in white for a mass burial, according to a video seen on Saturday.

A resident said the attackers stormed the village with sophisticated weapons and blocked all access roads linking the community to prevent escape.

“After blocking all the roads, the bandits started to shoot at sight, and the villagers ran helter-skelter,” he said.

He added, “After the attack, we realised that 30 people were killed; some were wounded, while several others are at large and nobody knows their whereabouts.”

It was gathered that the raid lasted until the early hours of Friday, with many residents abducted during the attack.

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The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), RS5.3 Anambra Sector Command, has sensitised and educated road users and other motoring public in the state on good road attitudes and other safety measures on the highways.

The exercise saw the Command successfully hosting a church advocacy programme at the Holy Trinity Anglican Church, Igbo-Ukwu in Aguata Local Government Area of the state, on Sunday, where they engaged worshippers on crucial road safety practices.

Addressing the congregation, the FRSC Sector Commander, Corps Commander Bridget Asekauno, emphasised several critical safety topics, including pedestrian safety, the importance of wearing safety crash helmets, the dangers associated with overloading and mixed loading, proper road crossing habits, and the severe consequences of dangerous driving.

Asekauno said the advocacy initiative was specifically designed to enhance road safety consciousness, promote responsible road usage, and ensure strict compliance with traffic regulations, all vital measures to mitigate road traffic crashes across Anambra State.

According to her, the robust public enlightenment and community engagement strategy is part of the Command’s continuous commitment to reducing road traffic crashes, injuries, and fatalities by 10 per cent.

She said, “The advocacy initiative is specifically designed to enhance road safety consciousness, promote responsible road usage, and ensure strict compliance with traffic regulations, all vital measures to mitigate road traffic crashes across Anambra State.

“These include pedestrian safety, the importance of wearing safety crash helmets, the dangers associated with overloading and mixed loading, proper road crossing habits, and the severe consequences of dangerous driving.

“We urge all motorists, commercial drivers, motorcyclists, and pedestrians to embrace safe road practices and become proactive ambassadors of road safety within their communities.”

The Corps Commander further highlighted the shared responsibility in ensuring safer roads.

A key highlight of the event was the distribution of informative road safety flyers and awareness materials, reinforcing the vital safety messages delivered during the service.

The programme also featured an interactive session, allowing worshippers to ask questions and receive clear clarifications on various road safety concerns.

In his response, the officiating Priest, Rev. Emmanuel Nwankwo, expressed profound appreciation for the Sector Commander and her team’s impactful visit.

Nwankwo offered prayers for the Corps and pledged the church’s ongoing support in promoting adherence to road safety messages among its members.

The programme was attended by the Unit Commander, RS5.35 Igbo-Ukwu Unit Command, staff from the Command, and dedicated Special Marshals, underscoring the collaborative effort.

The Church Advocacy at Holy Trinity Anglican Church, Igbo-Ukwu, was widely regarded as successful and impactful, further strengthening the crucial collaboration between the FRSC and faith-based organisations in the collective mission to foster safer roads in Anambra State.