Bandits Kill 12 Family Members in Zamfara State Attack

A devastating attack by armed bandits on Gidan Taba village in Maradun Local Government Area of Zamfara State has resulted in the deaths of 12 members of the same family. The attack occurred on Saturday night, with seven other residents abducted. The bandits set the residence of Mallam Muhammadu Sani ablaze, trapping 13 family members inside a room. Despite efforts by the community to alert security agencies, the attack resulted in the deaths of Sani, his two wives, six children, his younger brother's wife, and three of his children.

According to a resident who spoke to Daily Trust on condition of anonymity, the attackers invaded the residence at about 10 pm and ordered the occupants to open the door. When they refused, the bandits set the room ablaze, resulting in the deaths of 12 people from intense heat and fire. Only the wife of Sani's younger brother reportedly escaped. The community immediately contacted the Maradun Local Government Chairman, Sanusi Ahmed Dosara, who made efforts to reach security formations for assistance but was unsuccessful.

The Maradun Local Government Chairman, Sanusi Ahmed Dosara, described the attack as heartbreaking and led the funeral prayers for the deceased at Gidan Taba on Sunday. He explained that the victims died from the intense heat after the attackers set their room ablaze. Dosara also confirmed that the attackers abducted some residents but said local vigilantes engaged them in a gun battle and secured the release of some captives.

The Zamfara State Police Command confirmed the attack, putting the death toll at 11. The Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Yazid Abubakar, said the command received a report from the Divisional Police Officer in charge of the local government. Abubakar described the head of the family as an active member of the community's vigilante group, who had contributed to efforts to defend the village against bandit attacks.

This attack is the latest in a series of violent incidents in Maradun LGA. Last week, bandits ambushed security personnel at Gidan Kano along the Gusau-Sokoto highway, killing five police officers. In a related incident, telecommunications workers were reportedly ambushed, leaving one person dead and others injured. Bandit attacks across Zamfara State have claimed dozens of lives, injured many others, and displaced residents over the past six months.

The attacks have affected communities in Gusau, the state capital, as well as Anka, Maru, Talata Mafara, Tsafe, Maradun, Gumi, Bungudu, Bakura, Bukkuyum, and other parts of the state. One of the incidents occurred on May 1 in Lilo village, Gusau Local Government Area, where one resident was reportedly killed, another injured, and nine people abducted. The police later announced that their tactical team had killed a suspected bandit kingpin, Alhaji Lawali Dandumbulu, and four other members of his gang.

Residents and leaders have expressed concern over the rising insecurity in the state, calling for urgent measures to protect lives and property. The Gidan Taba attack has further raised questions about the effectiveness of security agencies in preventing such incidents. The state government and security agencies have been urged to strengthen their presence in the area and take decisive actions against bandits and other criminals.

Key points

• 12 family members killed in bandit attack on Gidan Taba village
• Seven other residents abducted during the attack
• Bandit attacks have claimed dozens of lives and displaced residents in Zamfara State over the past six months