Gunmen strike in Zamfara communities, kill many, displace hundreds

Multiple people have lost their lives, several others have been injured, and many have been forced to flee their homes following a wave of violent attacks on communities in Zamfara State between Thursday and Friday.

The attacks, suspected to be carried out by armed bandits, affected villages in Talata-Mafara, Bukkuyum, and Kaura-Namoda Local Government Areas (LGAs), according to a post by security analyst Zagazola Makama on X on Friday.

In Tudun-Biri village, Talata-Mafara LGA, gunmen stormed a Fulani settlement around 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, setting houses ablaze.

According to the post, one person was killed, while several others fled for safety.

“Witnesses said the assailants arrived in large numbers, torching huts and destroying properties, leaving the community in chaos. Many of the displaced residents are now seeking refuge in nearby villages.

Later that evening, around 6:32 p.m., gunmen launched an attack on a Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) camp in Gurusu, Bukkuyum LGA.

However, the vigilantes put up strong resistance, engaging the attackers in a fierce gun battle.

“Three CJTF operatives and three community members were killed,”; a local security source confirmed.

“One CJTF member was abducted, while four others sustained gunshot wounds.”;

Despite suffering losses, the assailants eventually retreated into the forest.

Tensions remain high in the area, with fears of a possible reprisal attack.

In another attack, which occurred at midnight on March 21, armed men raided Gidan Fulani village in Kaura-Namoda LGA, rustling an unspecified number of cattle.

“They fired warning shots into the air to scare people before driving the cattle away,”; a resident recounted.

Security sources say efforts are underway to track down the attackers and recover the stolen livestock.

Authorities have intensified surveillance in the affected areas, while local vigilante groups have stepped up patrols to prevent further violence.

The Zamfara State Police Command is yet to issue an official statement on the attacks.