No fewer than 20 residents have been confirmed dead after heavily armed bandits launched a coordinated attack on several communities in Zamfara State.
The affected communities include Zauren Goro, Tulluwa, Unguwar Shanu, Tsangaya, Tudun Namali and Tungar Dahiru in the Sauna District of Talata Mafara Local Government Area.
The attack, which occurred yesterday at about 2:00 p.m., reportedly lasted for nearly three hours, with the assailants operating unhindered until about 5:00 p.m.
According to residents on Thursday, the bandits launched a brazen daylight assault, moving freely from one community to another while rustling a large number of cattle and other livestock.
Eyewitnesses said the attackers initially attempted to invade Sauna town but were repelled by local vigilantes after a fierce gun battle.
Unable to gain access, the gunmen reportedly shifted their assault to neighbouring villages where they encountered little or no resistance.
In the affected communities, the bandits killed residents, looted livestock and forced many villagers to flee into nearby bushes to escape the violence.
“The attack started around 2 p.m. and continued until about 5 p.m. The terrorists operated freely for three hours without any security operatives coming to our rescue,” a survivor said.
“The police and soldiers stationed nearby fled for their own safety, leaving residents completely at the mercy of the terrorists. Nobody came to protect us while the attackers moved from one community to another.”
Another resident of Sauna, who requested anonymity, described the attack as devastating.
“In my presence alone, more than 20 bodies were recovered. The search is still ongoing because many farmers were on their farms when the terrorists invaded. We fear the death toll may rise as more bodies are discovered.”
He added that at least five people sustained gunshot wounds and are receiving treatment at the General Hospital in Talata Mafara.
As of the time of filing this report, victims were being buried in accordance with Islamic rites, while grieving families and community members mourned those killed.
The latest attack underscores the persistent insecurity in Zamfara State, where armed groups continue to carry out deadly raids on rural communities despite repeated military operations and government assurances aimed at restoring peace.