A deadly week in Zamfara
Several security operatives and civilians have been killed in multiple attacks on communities in Bukkuyum, Maru and Gusau local government areas of Zamfara State in the past one week. The incidents happened as the state battled repeated attacks by armed groups operating from forests, displacing residents, destroying livelihoods and imposing levies on communities. The military, […]
Zamfara State in Nigeria experienced a week of violence, resulting in the deaths of several security personnel and civilians. Armed groups operating from forests have been causing disruptions, displacing residents, and imposing levies on communities. The Nigerian Army launched offensives against these groups, resulting in some member deaths and rescuing dozens of hostages. Three new infantry battalions were activated in Zamfara to improve security.
On Sunday, at least 20 security personnel and civilians were killed in an ambush by bandits in Bukkuyum LGA, while travelling from Gwashi district to Gurusu market. Casualty figures varied, with one source reporting nine security personnel killed. The attack disrupted activities at the Sunday market in Gurusu, leaving traders and residents in fear.
On Saturday, traders travelling towards Dansadau in Maru LGA were ambushed, setting 12 vehicles ablaze. A resident stated that the attack occurred after soldiers discovered improvised explosive devices (IEDs) along the road, leading some travellers to resume their journey. Bandits reportedly killed three members of a local vigilante group and one other person in Damba district, suspected of having been tracked by the assailants.
These incidents followed the killing of nine soldiers and three mobile policemen by bandits at a mining site and military camp in Bindin village, LGA Bungudu. The killing was reportedly a reprisal after miners resisted an attempt by bandit leader Gwaska Dankarami to impose rules at a gold mining site.
Written by urgent.news from Daily Trust's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
