Suspected bandits on Thursday killed eight security personnel in an ambush along the popular Gusau–Tsafe-Funtua highway in Zamfara State.
According to security reports, the incident occurred when joint security operatives, comprising officers from the Nigeria Police Force and members of the Zamfara State Community Protection Guards, responded to a distress call at Tungawa village in Tsafe Local Government Area.
An eyewitness, who simply identified himself as Tsafe, said, “As I speak to you, the bodies of the slain officers have been evacuated to Gusau for burial.”
He lamented that the Gusau-Tsafe-Funtua road has become the most dangerous and scary highway in Nigeria with murder, kidnapping and other crimes being a daily occurrence.
Confirming the unfortunate incident, Chairman of Tsafe Local Government Council, Hon. Garba Fanchan, expressed condolences to the families of the victims.
He described the attack as “callous and barbaric,” assuring the public that the government was taking decisive steps to curb the rising insecurity in the area.
Also condemning the killings, Governor Dauda Lawal of Zamfara State extended his condolences to the bereaved families.
The governor, who commiserated with the security agencies, prayed for the souls of the fallen officers.
This is as he reaffirmed the State government’s commitment to restoring peace and stability across the state.
He said, “These brave men died in active service while trying to protect our communities. May Almighty Allah forgive their shortcomings and grant them eternal rest.”
Increasingly, the Gusau–Funtua highway has become a hotspot and death trap for many travelers and communities around the area with reports of near-daily assaults on commuters by armed groups.
However, relevant authorities have promised to intensify security operations to reclaim control of the route and ensure the safety of travelers and communities.
