TheCable

More than 25 people have been killed following attacks by suspected bandits in Zamfara state.

The gunmen were said to have carried out simultaneous attacks on Gobirawa, Rini, Gora, and Madoti Dankule in Bakura and Maradun LGAs. 

Aminu Suleiman, administrator of Bakura LGA who confirmed the incident, said the gunmen came on motorcycles and started shooting sporadically. 

“Yesterday, we prayed for 17 people killed in Rini and about 10 people in Gora. There were actually two incidents,” Suleiman said, when a delegation from the state assembly visited the area. 

“The first attack led to the killing of about 20 people and the reprisal by the Yan-Sakai – local vigilante — that led to the killing of about 10 people as well.” 

The bandits were also said to have burnt down houses and other properties of the villagers. 

Suleiman called on the government to beef up security in the area, especially for farmers.

Reacting, Nasiru Magarya, speaker of the house of assembly who led the delegation, said the state government will provide support for the victims and ensure the deployment of more security personnel in the area.

When contacted, Muhammed Shehu, police spokesperson in the state, said security agents were able to neutralise some of the bandits. 

Over the months, communities in Zamfara have suffered killings and abduction in the hands of gunmen.