Deadly violence swept through a rural community in Zamfara after armed bandits launched a coordinated assault, leaving security forces weakened and residents traumatised overnight.
During the raid, one police officer was killed, another taken hostage, while several villagers were forcefully marched into surrounding forests by the attackers.
Security sources confirmed that the slain officer, identified as Assistant Superintendent Samaila Sule, was later found alongside five villagers killed during the incident.
Moreover, the bandits escaped with the officer’s service rifle, an AK-47, including thirty rounds of live ammunition seized at the scene.
Another officer, Inspector Aliyu Ibrahim, was abducted with his loaded rifle, while at least ten villagers remain unaccounted for after the attack.
Meanwhile, authorities said search operations were ongoing in Maru area of Zamfara State, adding that “every effort is being made to rescue victims and recover weapons,” a senior officer said.