Eleven killed as bandits set family home ablaze in Zamfara

The Nigeria Police Force has confirmed the killing of 11 family members and the abduction of 14 others following an attack by armed bandits in Gidan Taba Village, Maradun Local Government Area.

The Zamfara Command Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Yazid Abubakar, confirmed the incident to journalists on Sunday.

He explained that the bandits targeted an extended family compound in search of a local vigilante member who had actively resisted their operations in the area.

Abubakar said during the attempt to kidnap the vigilante and his family, the family of one Malam Muhammadu Sani gathered and locked themselves inside a room, which the bandits subsequently set on fire, killing all eleven occupants.

A resident of the community revealed that the assailants invaded the village at midnight, shooting sporadically and breaking into houses.

He described the attack as a night of terror, noting that the victims were buried after funeral prayers led by the community Imam, with several bodies burnt beyond recognition.

The residents appealed to the Federal and Zamfara State Governments, as well as security agencies, to urgently step up protection in the area, stressing that law-abiding citizens should not be left at the mercy of criminal elements.