AT least five people have been confirmed dead and several others abducted following a coordinated two-day attack by armed bandits on no fewer than 16 villages in Kaura Namoda Local Government Area of Zamfara State.
According to eyewitness accounts from residents, the attack began on Saturday when the bandits invaded eight villages including Dan İsa, Kyatawa, Tudu, Gidan Haruna, Tsunburburawa, Gidan Juli, Tokarawa, and Gidan Bako. One person was killed in Gidan Haruna and eight women were abducted.
On Sunday, the attackers returned and stormed Kwalau village, killing four men identified as Abubakar, Murtala, Aminu, and Bello. Another individual, Ashafa, sustained serious gunshot injuries to his waist and jaw and is currently receiving treatment at the Kaura Namoda General Hospital.
A local source who requested anonymity said Kwalau village has become a regular passage route for the bandits during their operations. “On Saturday night, they passed through the village to carry out attacks on nearby communities.
However, on their return, local vigilantes blocked the entrance and engaged them in a fierce gun duel that lasted nearly 30 minutes before the bandits retreated.”
But the reprisal came swiftly. On Sunday morning, around 10am, the bandits returned in large numbers, heavily armed. They launched a direct attack on the vigilante group’s morning gathering point, killing four operatives and injuring another.
Multiple women were reportedly abducted, and personal belongings including food items and household goods were looted.
The attacks have forced hundreds of residents to flee their homes, fearing renewed violence.
Another resident lamented the deteriorating security situation in the area. “Bandit attacks have become a daily occurrence in Kaura Namoda. It’s like there’s no government or security presence here. We are completely at their mercy.”
He called on the federal and state governments to deploy additional security personnel to the troubled region, stressing the urgent need to protect lives and restore peace to the area.
Zamfara State has long battled with armed banditry, but residents say the frequency and scale of attacks in recent weeks signal a worsening crisis that demands immediate intervention.
