Bandits have wreaked havoc in Zamfara and Plateau States, leaving a trail of death and destruction in their wake. At least 30 farmers, including a respected Islamic cleric, were brutally killed in Zamfara, while in Plateau, two herders and over 200 cattle fell victim to the bloodshed.
Confirming the attacks in Zamfara, Police Spokesman ASP Yazid Abu Abubakar acknowledged the grim reality but withheld further details pending investigation. “The attacks occurred in two local government areas of the state,” Abubakar stated, urging for patience as authorities gather information.
Sources close to the incidents revealed that the atrocities unfolded on Thursday, striking fear into the hearts of Zamfara residents. Maradun and Tsafe local government areas bore the brunt of the violence, with Maradun witnessing the ruthless killing of Mallam Makwashi Maradun Mai Jan Baki, a revered Islamic scholar, alongside another victim. Shockingly, two of the cleric’s children remain missing in the aftermath of the assault.
A resident of Maradun recounted the harrowing ordeal, stating, “Attacks are becoming consistent in Maradun area these days. They happen almost every day. Many communities in the local government have been vacated for fear of reprisal.”
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In a desperate bid for survival, residents of Gidangoga village fought back, managing to kill 24 bandits and recover eight motorcycles. However, the toll of the violence was still staggering, with three villagers losing their lives in the confrontation.
Meanwhile, in Tsafe LGA, Bilbis village became the target of yet another ruthless assault, resulting in the tragic deaths of 20 civilians. Witnesses reported that the farmers were mercilessly attacked while tending to their fields, underscoring the brutality of the bandits’ actions.
Adding to the tragedy, Alhaji Murtala Ruwan Bado, a district head in Talata Mafara Emirate, narrowly escaped a bandit attack along Mayananchi road, underscoring the pervasive threat of violence in the region.
In Plateau State, the violence took a different form as gunmen descended on Kwal District of Bassa Local Government Area, targeting herders and their livestock. The assailants killed two herders and slaughtered over 200 cattle, leaving the Fulani community reeling from the staggering loss.
Leadership figures within the Fulani community, including Nura Abdullahi and Garba Abdullahi, voiced their anguish and called for urgent action from security agencies. “We have suffered a significant loss. It is high time for security agencies to take action against the atrocities being committed against our people,” Garba Abdullahi declared, urging for swift intervention.
Despite attempts to reach Operation Safe Haven, the peacekeeping force in Plateau State, for comment, their spokesperson remained unresponsive at the time of reporting.
Source: Daily Trust