Bandits raid 16 Zamfara villages, kill 5, abduct many

At least five people have been reportedly killed and scores of others abducted in Kaura Namoda Local Government Area of Zamfara State following a wave of attacks by armed bandits, Daily Trust learnt. According to local sources, the bandits raided 16 villages across the local government area between Saturday and Sunday. A resident, who pleaded […]

At least five people have been reportedly killed and scores of others abducted in Kaura Namoda Local Government Area of Zamfara State following a wave of attacks by armed bandits, Daily Trust learnt.

According to local sources, the bandits raided 16 villages across the local government area between Saturday and Sunday.

A resident, who pleaded anonymity, told Daily Trust that, “On Saturday, the armed bandits invaded eight villages, namely Dan Isa, Kyatawa, Tudu, Gidan Haruna, Tsunburburawa, Gidan Juli, Tokarawa, and Gidan Bako.

They killed one person in Gidan Haruna and kidnapped eight women, he said.

• Flood destroys houses, schools, farms in Plateau, Bauchi, Niger
• 1 killed, 2 injured in Abuja land dispute

“Also, on Sunday, the bandits attacked Kwalau village and killed four people – Abubakar, Murtala, Aminu, and Bello – while another resident, Ashafa, sustained gunshot injuries to his waist and jaw. He was rushed to the Kaura Namoda General Hospital for medical treatment,” he added.

The source explained that Kwalau village had become a routine passageway for the bandits during their operations.

He said, “On Saturday night, they passed through the village en route to raid eight neighbouring villages. On their return from the operation, local vigilantes prevented them from re-entering the village.

“Our local security operatives blocked the main entrance to the village and engaged the bandits in a gun battle. The exchange of gunfire lasted for nearly 30 minutes before the bandits eventually retreated.”

He said around 10 a.m. on Sunday, the bandits returned to the village in large numbers, heavily armed.

“They went straight to the usual gathering point of the vigilante group and opened fire. Four vigilante members were killed, and another was injured. The attackers also abducted several women and made away with valuables, including food items and household belongings,” the source added.

He further said many residents of the affected villages had fled their homes out of fear of another attack, expressing concern that the bandits could strike again.

Another local, who also requested anonymity, said that banditry is on the rise in the Kaura Namoda axis, lamenting, “Hardly a day passes without an attack on one or two villages. The situation has gotten out of control.

“The bandits are carrying out their heinous activities unchecked in this axis, as though there are no security personnel in the state. We are appealing to the government to come to our aid by deploying adequate security personnel to the affected areas to protect us.”

Also confirming the attack, Malam Hassan Yarima, the ward head of Dan Isa village, said that although the bandits had raided the village twice within a week, they neither killed nor abducted anyone from the village.

 

Villagers hide in bush

Yarima added that during the first raid, the villagers were alerted in time and managed to flee for safety.

He said, “We received prior intelligence about their second incursion, so we relocated our families to neighbouring villages before their arrival, while the men hid in the bush. Members of the vigilante group watched over the village from a distance.

“However, in neighbouring villages, the bandits abducted several people, mostly women. As of now, we cannot determine the exact number of those abducted, as some residents are still hiding in the bush, making it difficult to ascertain the full scale of the incident.

“In the neighbouring villages of Gidan Juji and Gidan Bako, the bandits rustled a large number of domestic animals. While we have not received reports of abductions in those particular communities, information reaching us indicates they carted away numerous animals, including sheep, goats, and cows.

“Also, in Kyatawa village, the armed bandits looted goods worth thousands of Naira after breaking into several provision shops. The residents of the village fled for their lives when the bandits stormed the area.”

Yarima explained that there is serious tension and fear in Kaura Namoda and its environs following persistent bandit attacks, noting that many villagers have abandoned their homes due to the fear of further violence.

Aminu Isa, a resident of Kwalau, the village where four people were killed, said that although the attack occurred around 10 a.m., by 6 p.m., some villagers had still not returned to their homes.

“Some of the villagers who were away during the attack were warned via phone not to return at that time. Others who fled into the bush during the attack have still not returned home as I speak,” he said.

A resident of one of the attacked villages, who also asked not to be named, said, “I was on my way to Kwalau from Gusau when my wife called to inform me about the attack. A few minutes later, my younger brother also called and advised me not to return to the village.

“Two days ago, the bandits passed through our village without attacking or kidnapping anyone. But due to resistance from our vigilante group, they later attacked the village. These bandits are ruthless and can kill at the slightest provocation.

“We thank God that our people have now returned home, and apart from the four who lost their lives, no one else died. Those who fled into the bush have all returned safely. However, there is still fear among residents because no one is sure if the bandits will return.”

Efforts to reach the Zamfara State Police Commissioner, CP Ibrahim Maikaba, for comment proved unsuccessful, as all his phone lines were unreachable at the time of filing this report.