Over 50 feared dead as bandits unleash terror in Zamfara

At least 50 residents were reportedly killed and several others abducted in a bandit attack on Dutsin Dan Ajiya village in Zamfara State, prompting renewed calls for decentralised policing and more aggressive military action.

Zamfara State was thrown into mourning on Friday after bandits reportedly killed no fewer than 50 residents of Dutsin Dan Ajiya village in Anka Local Government Area. A resident said the attackers blocked access roads and “started to shoot at sight,” adding that “after the attack, we realised that 30 people were killed.” Reuters quoted a lawmaker, Hamisu Faru, as saying the assailants moved “from one village to another … leaving at least 50 people dead.”

A 41-year-old resident, Abdullahi Sani, said three of his family members were killed, lamenting, “No one slept yesterday, we are all in pain.” He alleged security forces failed to respond despite alerts about over 150 motorcycles conveying the gunmen. The police spokesperson, Yazid Abubakar, did not respond to calls or messages as of press time, while a government aide promised to revert. The attack followed the state’s donation of armoured vehicles and a drone to security agencies.

Reacting, Abdulrazaq Hamzat of the Foundation for Peace Professionals said, “I do not think it is a resurgence; it is just the continuation of existing insecurity,” describing the system as trapped “in a cycle of reactive measures rather than proactive prevention.” Security expert Akin Adeyi urged offensive operations, stating, “It is not that they will just go and sit and rely on repelling attacks… it is time for them to be on the offensive now.”

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