Zamfara Attacks: Bandits Kill 22, Displace 300 Residents & Demand ₦50 Million Levy
By ABDUL AHMED (A. A.) RUFUS
ZAMFARA State has suffered another deadly security setback after bandits killed at least 22 people, including four soldiers, in an ambush along the Gwashi–Nasarawa road in Bukkuyum Local Government Area.
The violence also spread to the Dansadau axis, where separate attacks on three villages reportedly displaced more than 300 residents. In addition, the attackers allegedly demanded a ₦50 million levy from the affected communities and burnt 12 vehicles.
Hon. Hamisu Faru, the lawmaker representing Bukkuyum in the Zamfara State House of Assembly, confirmed the ambush. According to him, the attack occurred on Sunday while soldiers were carrying out their duties in the area. He added that authorities had yet to recover some of the victims’ bodies as of press time.
Lt. Col. Aliyu Danja, Information Officer of Operation Fansan Yamma, also confirmed the deaths of the soldiers during an interview on Monday morning.
The attacks have prompted renewed calls for stronger security measures. In a statement released on Sunday, the Zamfara State chapter of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) condemned the violence and mourned the victims, including the military personnel killed in the ambush.
The statement, signed by the party’s Publicity Secretary, Kassim Almustapha Kayatawa, described the incidents in Dansadau and Bukkuyum as alarming. It also conveyed the condolences of the state chapter, led by Alhaji Surajo Garba Maikatako, to the bereaved families.
To prevent further attacks, the party called on both the Federal Government and the Zamfara State Government to reinforce security deployments in Dansadau, Bukkuyum and other vulnerable areas. Furthermore, it urged the authorities to adopt a comprehensive approach to tackling banditry rather than rely solely on responses after attacks occur.
The NDC also faulted Governor Dauda Lawal over reports that he was in Ethiopia as part of a Federal Government delegation while residents were mourning the victims. It called on him to return to the state and focus on the worsening security challenges.
The party additionally appealed to security agencies to intensify their operations, protect vulnerable communities and prevent further destruction of lives and property.
However, the Zamfara State Police Command had not provided a response as of press time. The latest attacks have renewed concerns over the safety of rural communities and the urgent need for effective action against armed groups operating in the state.
