Bandits Kill 7 Vigilantes, Abduct Over 30 in Zamfara

On a Friday night, bandits attacked the Kaura Namoda Local Government Area in Zamfara, killing seven members of the Joint Task Force (JTF) and abducting over 30 residents. The attack began around midnight and lasted for more than three hours, with the assailants entering through a riverine route, avoiding areas typically guarded by local vigilantes.

Hon. Munnir Haidara, the Chairman of Kaura Namoda, confirmed the fatalities and noted that some vigilantes were injured and receiving medical treatment. He stated that the local government had recruited residents into the JTF and provided them with weapons for community protection.

Haidara mentioned that the council was still compiling data on the number of abducted residents, with estimates suggesting it could exceed 30. Residents reported that the bandits blocked access routes and engaged the JTF in a prolonged gun battle, which hindered security personnel's response.

The attackers also reportedly killed a young boy and abducted children from an Islamic teacher's home.