Africa Business Radio

Zamfara Government has shut down internet and mobile phone services in the state as security forces fight to contain armed gangs who have been carrying out killings and kidnappings for ransom.The shutdown comes just days after gunmen abducted more than 70 schoolchildren in the town of Kaya-Maradun.The authorities believe it will help security forces track down gunmen behind the rising violence in the region.The kidnappers are believed to coordinate their activities and negotiate ransom payments for the release of their victims through mobile phones.