By Abigail Philip David
Bandits have killed at least five people and abducted over 100 in fresh attacks across Zamfara and Katsina states.
In Zamfara, a series of coordinated attacks on ten communities across six local government areas—Gusau, Bukkuyum, Zurmi, Kaura-Namoda, Maru, and Anka—left five people dead and more than 50 kidnapped, mostly women and children.
Among those abducted is the Vice Chairman of Bukkuyum Local Government, Hon. Bala Muhammad Majidadi. In Gusau and Gummi local government areas, four children—two in each—were killed, with several residents taken hostage.
A source from Zurmi, Malam Abubakar Zurmi, expressed concern over the resurgence of attacks after a brief period of calm. “We thought the situation was improving, but the bandits have resumed their activities, attacking multiple communities,” he said.
Despite ongoing military operations, the bandits continue to resist security forces. However, Lieutenant Colonel Abubakar Abdullahi, Coordinator of the Joint Media Coordination Centre for Operation Fansan Yamma, confirmed that recent military efforts have yielded significant results.
He revealed that seven notorious bandit leaders, including Kachalla Na Faransa, Kachalla Bokolo, Kachalla Sani Bannuwa, and Sani Black, were eliminated. Each of them reportedly commanded over 50 fighters, many of whom were either killed or severely injured during the operation. Additionally, over 40 bandit camps were destroyed.
“The battle against banditry will continue until Operation Fansan Yamma eradicates them completely,” Abdullahi assured.
50 Abducted in Katsina as Fear Grips Residents
In Katsina State, armed bandits staged a brazen daylight attack on Ungwar Lamido in Bakori Local Government Area, abducting about 50 residents.
A local source disclosed that the criminals now operate freely, attacking villages at will. “They nearly emptied the entire village. Many residents fled to Bakori town for safety,” the source said.
This latest attack comes as fears grow over the fate of former NYSC Director-General, Maharazu Tsiga, who was kidnapped over three weeks ago. His whereabouts remain unknown, with speculation that he may be held in the dense forests of Kuka, Kakumi, Kankara, Batsari, or Safana—areas known as bandit hideouts.
Security presence in the region remains weak, with locals lamenting that the few personnel stationed nearby hesitate to confront the heavily armed bandits.
Community members are calling on the government to provide immediate relief for displaced persons and take decisive action to curb the escalating violence.
“We are afraid our village will soon be completely deserted if urgent intervention does not come,” a distressed resident said.
As of the time of filing this report, authorities had yet to issue an official statement regarding the latest wave of attacks.
