Bandits in Zamfara have killed no fewer than 25 people during attacks on several villages in Talata Marafa and Maru local government areas of the state.
First News learnt from some residents that the bandits invaded Awala village on Wednesday and carted away herds of cattle and other domestic animals, before proceeding to neighbouring communities to rustle cattle, but met stiff resistance from people there.
According to a resident, “When they laid siege, the residents fought back and killed several of the armed bandits and cattle rustlers. They didn’t allow some of the gunmen to get way with the rustled animals and the invading armed men withdrew.
“A day later, perhaps angered by the resistance from the residents of the attacked communities, the armed reinforced bandits then arrived on dozens of motorbikes firing at residents in Zaman Gira, Awala, Yargada Bolakke, Gidan Runji and many other villages.”
Another resident identified as Sani Halilu said, “When the residents were preparing for the burial of the dead ones, the armed bandits resurfaced and started shooting at people at a cemetery in Zaman Gira and many other people were found dead.”
The state police spokesman, Superintendent Muhammad Shehu, declined to comment, “Please, the state commissioner of police will brief you on the matter later.”