Bandits Kill Seven Policemen, 35 Others In Zamfara, Katsina
Bandits have reportedly killed about 42 persons in different deadly attacks on many villages in Zamfara and Katsina states.
Available reports indicate that 12 people, including seven policemen, were killed on Thursday at Magarya village in Zurmi Local Government Area of Zamfara State.
It was reliably gathered that four residents of the village and a member of the Zamfara State Community Guards, popularly called Askarawan Zamfara were among victims of the bandits’ attack
Commissioner of Police in the state, Muhammad Shehu Dalijan, who confirmed the killing of his officers during the incident, said the bandits, numbering about 300, stormed the village on motor bikes.
According to the Police Commissioner; “They surrounded our men and opened fire on them, thereby killing seven of them and injuring several others.
“The bandits were not happy with our men who prevented them from carrying out their heinous act for over two years now. Since the deployment of police to the area, the bandits could not have a chance to attack the village”.
CP Dalijan further said that more police personnel would be deployed in the area to strengthen the Command in combating the criminal elements.
One of those residing in the community, Muhammad Yusuf, told some journalists that the assailants stormed the village at 5.10 am when people were preparing for subhi (morning prayer).
Yusuf, who disclosed that the bandits also burnt two houses, a car and many silos, said; “The bandits also rustled three camels and some cows, sheep and goats. However, they did not abduct anybody during the operation.
“When the bandits attacked the village, the occupants ran into the bush. When they returned, we took a head count and discovered that 12 people, including seven mobile policemen, were killed.
“This is the fourth time bandits are attacking our 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”.
Another resident, Ibrahim Shehu, said many of the villagers had abandoned the area for fear of further attacks, adding; “The bandits had warned that they would come for another attack; hence the residents fled 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”.
Inuwa Isa, also a member of the community, while also confirming the incident, said the attackers “conducted a house-to-house search before killing people, burning two houses and a car.”
Katsina Bandits’ Attacks Claims 30 Lives, Injure Many
In Dutsinma and Safana Local Government Areas of Katsina State, reports said different sets of bandits also killed at least 30 persons in deadly attacks on villages
Among the affected villages are Tashar Kawai Mai Zurfi, Sabon Gari Unguwar Banza, Dogon Ruwa, Sanawar Kurecen Dutsi, and Unguwar Bera.
Others include Kuricin Kulawa, Larabar Tashar Mangoro, Sabaru, Ashata, Unguwar Ido, Kanbiri, Kunamawar Mai Awaki and Kunamawar ‘Yargandu.
Earlier reports indicated that the villages were first attacked on Tuesday by the bandits who returned again on Thursday to launch a fresh attack on Dogon Ruwa, ‘Yar Kuka, Rimi, Lezumawa and other villages.
A reliable source in the community explained that the repeated attacks forced residents to flee the area and seek refuge in Dutsinma town as well as Turare village.
Contacted to comment on the incident, Spokesperson of the Katsina State Police Command, ASP Abubakar Sadiq Aliyu, promised to reach out to reporters on Thursday, but failed to make good his promise.
The list of local government areas that have been ransacked by the criminal elements in recent times include Batsari, Faskari, Kankara, and Malumfashi.
