At least three people have been reportedly killed and 26 others abducted in a fresh wave of attacks by suspected bandits in Kauran Namoda Local Government Area of Zamfara State.
Daily Trust learnt that the coordinated assaults, which occurred between Thursday and Saturday, targeted multiple communities.
Eyewitnesses reported that Sabon Gari village bore the brunt of the latest violence, with one woman killed and around 20 residents kidnapped.
A resident of Kauran Namoda, who requested anonymity, claimed the toll was even higher, saying four people — including a woman — were killed and 26 others abducted. Among the abductees were reportedly a man, his two wives, and their three children.
It was learnt that the attacks took place in the early hours of Saturday, between 1:00 a.m. and 2:30 a.m., despite the presence of security personnel in Kaura Namoda town.
Sources alleged that the assailants were loyalists of a notorious bandit leader, Bello Kaura, popularly known as Dan Sade, who has been linked to numerous atrocities across Kaura Namoda, Bungudu, and Maradun local government areas.
“Dan Sade knows the area well. His father is Sarkin in Kaura Namoda. He has even built a mosque and shops in some villages. His camp is located behind Bakalori Camp, not far from Sabon Gari,” the source said.
Locals say they are puzzled by the apparent inaction of military forces in confronting the group.
Residents fear Dan Sade’s ultimate goal is to overrun Kaura Namoda, the second-largest town in Zamfara.
Neighbouring communities such as Unguwan Sarkin Musulmi, Unguwan Rogo, and Yamitsawa — just a few kilometers away — were said to have been deserted.
“People now flee their homes every evening, returning only during the day. The bandits have intensified attacks on Sabon Gari, Kungurki, and other nearby villages,” one source said.
“We are pleading with the government and security agencies to establish a military base in Kungurki and sustain operations to halt the bandits’ advance.” he said
In a separate incident last Thursday, bandits reportedly killed four people and abducted one person in Kungurki village.
The following day, it was gathered that they contacted the villagers, demanding a N3 million ransom but refused to allow any communication with the hostage, raising fears about his condition.
“The villagers refused to pay the money because they are not sure whether he is alive or not,” the source said.
On Friday, the Secretary of Birnin Magaji Local Government Area was shot and injured along the Kaura-Gusau road.
His elder brother and another individual were abducted during the same attack.
In a related development, two commercial drivers were killed and an undisclosed number of passengers kidnapped along the route.
The Zamfara State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Yazid Abubakar, said he could not confirm the incidents as he was attending a seminar in Akwa Ibom State. He promised to provide details after contacting the command headquarters.
Communities identified as being under constant threat in Kauran Namoda include Dayau, Daba, Madira, Yankaba, Kagara, Sabon Gari, Banga, Kurya, Kasuwar Daji, Kungurki, Gidan Tanko, Unguwar Rogo, Gidan Sambo, Walo, Babbar-Saura, Bakin Dam, Katsauta, Gabake, Barkeji, Maguru, and Magizawa.
“These bandits attack us at will, even with security forces stationed in Kaura Namoda,” a local lamented. “Life here has become unbearable. We desperately need help.”
In response to the escalating crisis, Governor Dauda Lawal pledged his administration’s commitment to ending banditry in Zamfara.
While donating 140 operational vehicles to security agencies, he promised to deploy all available resources to restore peace and security.
“This gesture underscores our commitment to supporting the security agencies to effectively protect lives and property.
“We have also launched the Community Protection Guards to complement the efforts of conventional security forces and engage residents in defending their communities.” the governor said
Governor Lawal also paid tribute to security personnel who have lost their lives in the line of duty.
“We will forever honor the sacrifices of our fallen heroes. Their bravery will not be forgotten,” he said.
(Daily trust)
