At least 18 people have been killed in a deadly bandit attack on Bunkasau village in Bukkuyum Local Government Area of Zamfara State.
Residents said the attackers, numbering over 80 and riding motorcycles, invaded the community late Friday night, opening fire on villagers.
Confirming the incident, Zamfara State Commissioner for Information, Mahmud Dantawasa, said 18 persons lost their lives while several others were injured.
Governor Dauda Lawal condemned the attack, describing the violence in Bunkasau and nearby communities as senseless, and extended condolences to affected families.
He also directed the deployment of a delegation led by the Deputy Governor to provide assistance and medical care to victims.
The attack comes days after a similar incident in Kurfa community, where armed assailants abducted several residents.
Meanwhile, security forces recently carried out a counter-offensive in Tsafe Local Government Area, killing several suspected bandits during a gun battle with armed groups.
A security operative involved in the operation said, “We overpowered them due to superior firepower and pursued them into Munhaye forest, where over 30 bandits were neutralised.”
