In a devastating attack, armed bandits killed 17 people and abducted over 300 others across multiple villages in Dankurmi District, Maru Local Government Area, Zamfara State, leaving communities in shock and fear.
According to a resident of the area, Hon. Iliyasu Salisu, the bandits launched a series of coordinated attacks on several villages, including Manya, Kabaso, Yalwa, Bafada, Kuda, Makini, and Sabuwar Tunga.
In Manya, seven people were killed and 200 others abducted.
Kabaso saw the death of five people with another 200 abducted, while in Yalwa, two were killed and 50 taken.
Attacks on Bafada and Kuda resulted in the abduction of 50 people, with one person killed in each village. In total, 521 people were reportedly kidnapped.
Resident Shehu Danfodio, whose relatives were among those abducted, described the horrific scene: “The attack started around 3:30 PM on Tuesday.
“They killed people, kidnapped others, and looted our food supplies. Then they returned on Wednesday to continue their rampage.
“Everywhere you go, you see devastation, people injured while fleeing, some dead where they collapsed.
“The authorities must act quickly to rescue us.”
Maru Local Government Chairman Alhaji Bello Muhammad Jabaka confirmed the severity of the attack, stating, “The bandits killed several people and abducted over 300, though we don’t yet have complete data on the number of missing persons or those killed.”
Jabaka assured that discussions were underway with key stakeholders to restore peace and that a full investigation into the attacks was being conducted.
Many victims remain unaccounted for, and reports indicate that several residents have fled to neighbouring towns seeking refuge.
Sources: VOA Hausa on Twitter, Bakatsine, banditry analyst in Nigeria Northwest.