At least twenty people have been reportedly killed by marauding bandits terrorising the North West zone of the country in a fresh attack on Gidan Goga area of Maradun Local Government Area of Zamfara State.
A local, who spoke in confidence with newsmen, said the bandits attacked and killed the villagers, who were predominantly farmers, on Wednesday when they were working on their farms.
The attackers, he said, intended to kidnap some of the farmers but were unsuccessful in their endeavor.
“As soon as the farmers realized the danger, they swiftly attempted to flee to save their lives.
“However, the bandits opened fire on them, ruthlessly taking the lives of 22 individuals, according to the resident,” Daily Post quoted the source as saying.
He added, “These dreaded terrorists have promised to unleash horrific attacks on our community, and we are calling on all concerned authorities to come to our aid as quickly as possible before the situation spirals out of control.”
The State Police Public Relations Officer, ASP. Yazid Abubakar, confirmed the incident.
However, he maintained that nine people were killed, while five others sustained gunshot injuries and were currently receiving medical treatment.
The police spokesperson emphasized that a combined anti-terrorism team had been deployed to the area, restoring a semblance of normalcy.
The ruthless attack on the farmers by suspected terrorists has sent shivers down the spine of Zamfara State residents.
The state has become the hotbed of violent attacks and wanton killings in recent years, with little or no government intervention to stem the menace.
The latest killing underscored urgent need for government to ramp up security intervention to ensure the safety and protection of its citizens.