Twelve killed as bandits set family home ablaze in Nigeria

A devastating incident occurred in Maradun village, located on the outskirts of the town in Zamfara state, northern Nigeria. On Saturday night, a group of armed bandits, notorious for their raids and kidnappings, launched an attack on the village. The attackers, riding motorcycles, indiscriminately shot at the residents. A man named Malam Sani and his family of 11 managed to barricade themselves inside their home to evade the assailants.

However, when the bandits were unable to breach the door, they set fire to the room from outside, resulting in the tragic loss of all 12 family members. The heat and suffocation caused by the fire led to the deaths of the victims. Seven other villagers were abducted by the gunmen, as confirmed by Sanusi Ahmad, the political administrator of Maradun district.

He further informed that the victims were comprised of seven women and a 10-year-old boy, as reported by Bello Muhammad, a resident of the village. The recurring insecurity and economic hardships faced by Nigerians, such as high inflation and living costs, are significant concerns that shape political campaigns leading up to the presidential election in January.