Zamfara State has once again been plunged into mourning following a series of devastating attacks by armed bandits that reportedly claimed the lives of over 50 residents between Thursday night and Friday morning. The attacks, which targeted communities in Anka and Bukuyum local government areas, have ignited widespread fear and concern, with multiple media organizations reporting varying casualty figures as details emerged.

One of the most brutal incidents unfolded in Dutsin Dan Ajiya village, Anka Local Government Area. According to a resident who spoke anonymously, gunmen wielding sophisticated weapons raided the village on Thursday night, unleashing a barrage of sporadic gunfire. The terrorists strategically blocked all access roads, trapping residents and preventing any escape. "After blocking all the roads, the bandits started to shoot at sight and the villagers ran helter-skelter," the resident recounted, adding that initially 30 people were found killed, with many wounded and others unaccounted for. Viral videos showed the corpses of victims being prepared for a mass burial, underscoring the horrific scale of the massacre. Beyond the fatalities, numerous residents were also abducted during the raid, which persisted into the early hours of Friday. Reuters subsequently confirmed that at least 50 people were killed in this particular assault.

Parallel attacks devastated villages in Bukuyum Local Government Area, including Mudutse. Hamisu Faru, a lawmaker representing Bukkuyum South, described how the assailants navigated through forest routes, crossing the main bridge from the Gando forest and the Baraye Zaki river before descending upon Mudutse village. The bandits surrounded the town, systematically setting houses ablaze and executing anyone who attempted to flee. Mr. Faru told DW that an initial count revealed 41 bodies, a number that tragically escalated to over 50 after late afternoon prayers. He lamented, "In our region, this is a catastrophe beyond words."

The human cost of these attacks extends beyond the fatalities. Residents reported that dozens of women and children were abducted during the raids, though the exact figures remain unverified. The affected communities are now grappling with immense distress, with many residents fleeing their homes and essential food supplies completely destroyed. A resident of the affected area conveyed to DW the desperate situation: "People are fleeing. There is no food left — everything was burned. They abducted more than 30 or 40 women and took them into the forest."

Concerns have been vehemently raised regarding the response of security forces. Abdullahi Sani, a 41-year-old resident, stated that villagers had alerted security forces and local authorities upon sighting over 150 motorcycles carrying the hoodlums, yet no support was provided. Lawmaker Hamisu Faru also alleged to DW that security agencies were contacted during the ongoing attack, and an air support jet was reportedly deployed. He claimed real-time information was provided, and authorities stated they could see and were tracking the attackers. However, despite updates provided until approximately 3:30 a.m., "the jet did not neutralise anyone. The bandits carried out their operations and left." PREMIUM TIMES, however, could not independently verify these claims about the air response.

Adding to the escalating insecurity in the region, a separate incident was reported where a Nigerian Army armoured personnel carrier (APC) was destroyed by an improvised explosive device (IED) along the Keta–Dangibga road in Zamfara State on Friday. The incident occurred while soldiers were escorting civilian motorists on the route, which is known for frequent targeting by armed groups. A source revealed that the military convoy encountered an IED, causing a violent detonation that scattered the armoured vehicle. While the exact number of casualties from this explosion remains unclear, it reportedly caused panic among travelers and residents, further highlighting the precarious security situation in the Keta–Dangibga axis, notorious for bandit ambushes and explosive device placements.

The Zamfara State Government has responded by condemning the heinous attacks and extending condolences to the bereaved families. A delegation has reportedly been dispatched to the affected communities, and efforts are said to be intensifying to prevent future incidents. Nevertheless, residents and local officials continue to voice profound concerns regarding the effectiveness and timeliness of security responses in the area, an issue that media outlets like PREMIUM TIMES are closely monitoring amidst the ongoing crisis.