Gunmen Reportedly Kill 12, Kidnap Many Residents In Reprisal Attack In Zamfara

At least 12 people lost their lives and several others were kidnapped when gunmen launched a coordinated reprisal attack on multiple villages in Maru Local Government Area of Zamfara State.

The attack came just days after the Nigerian Army announced on May 3 that troops from 1 Brigade had killed five top bandit leaders and seized weapons in a military operation across Talata Mafara and Kaura Namoda LGAs.

The operation aimed to dismantle terrorist hideouts and restore security in the region.

Those killed in the earlier raid included well-known bandit kingpins Auta Jijji, Dankali, Sagidi, Kachallah Rijaji, and Kachallah Suza.

According to Zagazola Makama, a counter-insurgency news outlet, the revenge attack took place around 1:30 p.m. on May 5.

It was reportedly carried out by bandits in retaliation for the army’s recent assault on their base in Dankurmi forest.

The attackers stormed seven villages in the Dankurmi district—Zamfarawa, Kurukuru, Dogon Daji, Dan Hayin Zamfarawa, Tungar Zabo, Burmukai, and Dambawa—killing a dozen residents and abducting several others.

Troops have since been mobilised in response, and efforts are ongoing to rescue the kidnapped victims and restore calm in the affected areas.

KanyiDaily recalls that gunmen recently abducted and killed APC Chairman, Alhaji Bako Bala, in Suru Local Government Area of Kebbi State.