Bandits kill former Zamfara LG administrator, 4 others, abduct many
Armed bandits launched coordinated attacks on several communities across Zamfara State in the early hours of Tuesday, killing five people-including a former local government sole administrator and his counsellor-and abducting many residents. The assaults targeted villages in Talata Mafara, Tsafe, and Kauran Namoda local government areas and were reportedly carried out simultaneously between 1:00 a.m. […]
Armed bandits launched coordinated attacks on several communities across Zamfara State in the early hours of Tuesday, killing five people-including a former local government sole administrator and his counsellor-and abducting many residents.
The assaults targeted villages in Talata Mafara, Tsafe, and Kauran Namoda local government areas and were reportedly carried out simultaneously between 1:00 a.m. and 3:30 a.m.
In Morai village, Talata Mafara LGA, the gunmen stormed the residence of Saminu Suleiman Morai, a former sole administrator and retired permanent secretary, and shot him dead along with his former counsellor, Alhaji Akilu Liman.
Two other residents were also killed in the attack. Morai’s wife and children were abducted.
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A resident, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said security operatives pursued the attackers and managed to rescue Morai’s wife and eight other abductees. However, one of his daughters remains in captivity.
Sources said the attackers may be linked to a notorious bandit kingpin known as Sa’idu, believed to be operating from a fortified camp near the Bakalori Dam in Maradun LGA.
In Kauran Namoda LGA, the gunmen raided the villages of Gabaken Mesa, Kogi, and Batta Gicce.
One person was reportedly killed in Gabaken Mesa while several others sustained injuries and were hospitalised in Kauran Namoda.
Residents said about 20 people, including women and children, were abducted during the attacks.
They also said the bandits looted money and valuables.
In Tsafe LGA, the communities of Biyabiki, Gobirawa, and Sabon Gari also came under attack.
Biyabiki, which was recently assaulted-with its mosque, clinic, and several homes burned-suffered another raid on Tuesday.
More houses were set ablaze, though there were no immediate reports of casualties or abductions.
The wave of attacks has triggered mass displacement, with many residents fleeing to relatively safer areas such as Tsafe town and the state capital, Gusau.
When contacted, Zamfara State Police Command spokesperson DSP Yazid Abubakar said he was not yet aware of the incidents but assured that he would investigate.
The victims of the Morai attack were buried on Tuesday in accordance with Islamic rites.