The Zamfara State police spokesperson, Muhammad Shehu said that armed bandits suspected to be from neighbouring Kebbi State, attacked the Baban Rafi community in Gummi LGA of Zamfara State, killing at least 14 persons.
An eyewitness claimed the bandits stormed the community on over 30 motorcycles in a commando-style, carrying AK 47 rifles and shooting at sight. According to him, the villagers buried 21 people after the attack, while eight bodies were left on the ground as they were strangers.
He said…“We buried 21 bodies because they were natives of the village but we left the other eight corpses because they were strangers who came from Niger State.”
“But the state police command said only 14 people were killed in the attack”
The residents reportedly revealed that the bandits robbed residents of Barikin Daji of their
valuables and rustled their livestock before heading to Baban Rafi.
The bandits also reportedly killed two health workers, Lawali Suleiman and Aliyu Mohammed at primary health care centres in Zurmi LGA.
This attack is coming despite the peace talks Zamfara state is having with local militia groups Yansakai, armed bandits and other warring groups, to restore peace in the state.
In August last year, the state granted amnesty to repentant bandits, who released no fewer than 427 hostages.
The police had said no fewer than 6,319 people were killed by bandits in the state in 2019 alone.
