Bandit Attack in Zamfara Claims 23 Lives, Security Urged

On Thursday, the death toll from a daylight attack by suspected bandits in Sauna District, Talata Mafara local government area of Zamfara state increased to 23, as confirmed by community sources. Initial reports indicated 16 fatalities, but the number rose after more bodies were recovered from the farms.

The attack occurred Thursday morning while victims were working on their farmlands. The assailants, arriving on multiple motorcycles, opened fire indiscriminately on farmers.

Community sources reported that many others remain missing. The remains of all 23 victims were buried in a mass burial at the palace of the district head in Sauna, conducted early Thursday.

As of the report, security authorities had not issued an official statement regarding the incident, and attempts to contact the Zamfara state Police command were unsuccessful. Residents of Sauna district have faced repeated attacks on farming communities, prompting community leaders to call for enhanced security measures to protect farmers during critical planting and harvest seasons.