Tragedy struck in Gidan Taba Village, Maradun Local Government Area of Zamfara State after armed men killed 11 members of a single extended family by setting them ablaze inside their home.
The ruthless assault also left 14 other residents abducted, their whereabouts remaining entirely unknown as security forces launch a high-stakes search-and-rescue mission.
According to local sources, the invasion turned into a night of terror as the heavily armed assailants stormed the community, firing shots indiscriminately into the air and forcing their way into several homes on Sunday.
Survivors narrated that the primary target of the attack was a local vigilante member who had consistently resisted the bandits’ criminal activities in the area.
Fleeing from the onslaught, 11 relatives of the targeted vigilante—members of the extended family of Muhammadu Sani—locked themselves inside a room within the family compound in a desperate attempt to seek refuge.
Unmoved, the gunmen barricaded the room from the outside and set it on fire, trapping everyone inside.
All 11 occupants were burnt to death, with community members reporting that several of the bodies were charred beyond recognition.
Confirming the horrific incident, the Police Public Relations Officer for the Zamfara State Police Command, DSP Yazid Abubakar, stated that the gunmen deliberately targeted the compound while searching for the vigilante and his relatives.
“The family of Muhammadu Sani locked themselves inside a room in an attempt to escape the attackers,” Abubakar told newsmen. “However, the gunmen set the room ablaze, killing everyone inside.”
DSP Abubakar disclosed that joint security operations are currently underway to track down the perpetrators and locate the 14 abducted villagers.
“Tactical teams are working alongside other security agencies and local vigilantes to rescue the victims and restore security to the affected community,” he added.
Emotional scenes unfolded later on Sunday as funeral prayers were conducted for the 11 deceased victims, led by the community Imam, before their mass burial.
Grieving residents of Gidan Taba have issued an urgent plea to the Federal Government, the Zamfara State Government, and security chiefs to immediately reinforce military and police deployments across vulnerable communities in the area to stem the rising tide of banditry and bloodshed.