Armed bandits have attacked some communities in Zamfara and Katsina states, killing more than 40 people, while scores escaped with various degrees of injuries.
It was gathered that 12 persons, including seven policemen, a member of the Zamfara State Community Protection Guards, CPG, and four residents, were killed in Magarya village, Zurmi Local Government Area on Thursday.
The Zamfara State Commissioner of Police, Muhammad Dalijan confirmed the killing of his officers to newsmen, saying that over 300 bandits stormed the village on motorbikes.
“They started shooting sporadically where seven of our men were killed, and many other people were injured. The bandits were not satisfied with our men who didn’t want them to unleash terror attacks on villages for over two years now.
“Since the deployment of police to the area, the bandits could not have the opportunity to carry out their dastard acts on the Magarya village,” he said.
A resident of the village, Ahmed Usman, also told journalists on telephone conversation that the terrorists stormed the village at 5:17 am when people were preparing for morning prayer, pointing out that the bandits also burnt two houses, a car, and many silos.
“The terrorists also rustled three camels, some cows, sheep and goats. But they did not abduct anybody during the deadly operation.
“When the bandits attacked the village, the villagers were running helter skelter into the forest for safety of their lives. As the tension calmed and the people returned, we carried out investigation and discovered that 12 people, including seven mobile policemen, were killed.
“We can authoritatively state that this is the fourth time bandits are attacking the village. The first attack was two years after the deployment of a mobile police unit to the area. They attacked the village three times before the deployment of security personnel,” Usman said.
Another resident, Garba Abubakar, said many villagers had deserted the community for fear of another attack, saying that bandits always keep to their promises.
“The bandits had warned that they would come for another attack; hence the residents deserted their homes. Some residents moved to Gusau, the state capital, while others went to nearby towns.
“We are terrified. And you know that these people are like animals. Since they promised to come back, it is better for us to leave the area for our lives. Very few people remained in the village,” Abubakar said.
In another development, it was also reported that another group of bandit launched an attack on Dogon Ruwa, ‘Yar Kuka, Rimi, Lezumawa and other villages in Katsina State on Thursday.
A source said the bandits killed no fewer than 30 in the attack on the villages of Dutsema and Safana LGAs of the state.
The source further said that the attacks made the residents of the village to run away from the community and seek refuge in Dutsinma town and Turare village.
The names of the affected villages were given as Tashar Kawai Mai Zurfi, Sabon Gari Unguwar Banza, Dogon Ruwa, Sanawar Kurecen Dutsi, Unguwar Bera, Kuricin Kulawa, Larabar Tashar Mangoro, Sabaru, Ashata, Unguwar Ido, Kanbiri, Kunamawar Mai Awaki and Kunamawar ‘Yargandu.
The spokesman of the Katsina State Police Command, ASP Abubakar Sadiq Aliyu, confirmed the attack but is yet to release an official statement.
