Bandits struck the Gidan Zuma community in Zamfara State's Bungudu Local Government Area on Sunday, resulting in the death of at least 11 individuals and the abduction of 20 others, primarily women and children. The assailants took advantage of the absence of local vigilantes, who had departed to aid a neighboring community under attack. Gidan Zuma, situated near Bungudu town and 12 kilometers from Gusau, the state capital, previously enjoyed relative safety due to its effective local defense mechanism.
Residents recounted how the attackers killed five people upon entering the town and six more during their operation. One resident, preferring anonymity, disclosed that the assault occurred during daylight hours, coinciding with Ramadan fasting. Another resident expressed anguish over his wife and child's abduction during the raid.
Despite inquiries, the Zamfara State Police spokesperson remained unavailable for comment. Zamfara, a North-western state plagued by terrorism, witnesses frequent attacks by bandits who operate with impunity, often traveling in large motorcycle convoys. These incidents underscore the ongoing security challenges faced by communities in the region.
