Fresh attacks by suspected terrorists have left at least 18 people dead, including six soldiers, while dozens of residents were abducted during coordinated assaults on communities in Zamfara and Sokoto states.
The attacks, which occurred late Saturday night, have once again raised concerns over the worsening security situation in Nigeria’s North-West, with residents lamenting the absence of timely security intervention.
According to local sources, heavily armed terrorists invaded Kasuwar Daji in Kaura-Namoda Local Government Area of Zamfara State at about 11:30 p.m., where they reportedly overran a military outpost before launching attacks on residents.
Witnesses said the gunmen opened fire indiscriminately, killing at least six soldiers before abducting more than 70 residents, who were taken into the surrounding forest.
A resident, Alhaji Aminu Kasuwar Daji, appealed to both the state and federal governments to urgently address the insecurity affecting the region.
“We are really in danger if terrorists can overpower the military and succeed in their attacks on innocent citizens,” he said.
Former Deputy Speaker of the Zamfara State House of Assembly, Namadi Kasuwar Daji, also confirmed the attack, saying he was informed that the terrorists looted shops, stole food items and drinks, and kidnapped several residents.
“I was told that the terrorists even killed soldiers… after looting shops for foodstuffs, drinks and other properties, they also abducted an unspecified number of residents,” he said.
The Zamfara State Police Command said it was yet to receive full details of the incident at the time of filing this report.
Father, Two Sons Burnt Alive in Sokoto Attack
In neighbouring Sokoto State, suspected terrorists also attacked Lajinge village in Sabon Birni Local Government Area, killing at least 12 people during a four-hour assault.
Residents said the attackers stormed the community around 11 p.m. on Saturday and operated until about 3:30 a.m. without any security response.
One of the most tragic incidents occurred when a father, Mallam Wauro (popularly known as Mallam Roro), his two sons, Ukasha and Mujaheed, along with three others, were burnt alive after taking refuge inside a room.
According to a resident, the attackers surrounded the building and ordered those inside to come out.
“They poured petrol on the room and opened fire. When those inside attempted to escape through the door, they kept shooting at them. Their bodies were left inside the burning room,” the resident said.
Another victim, Lawwali, was reportedly shot dead while trying to flee, while several others lost their lives as they attempted to escape the village.
Residents said the terrorists also rustled cattle and sheep, abducted several villagers—including two of Mallam Wauro’s wives—and looted homes during the attack.
A member of the local vigilante group described how the attackers overwhelmed community defenders.
“We were at the primary school guarding the village when we suddenly heard heavy gunfire. We all ran for safety,” he recalled.
Another resident lamented the lack of security intervention despite repeated distress calls.
“The bandits stayed in our village for hours without any intervention. They even walked along the main road laughing and smoking cigarettes as if they had conquered the community,” he said.
Community members said they had repeatedly appealed for the deployment of more security personnel, warning that attacks in the area have become increasingly frequent.
The Sokoto State Police Command said it would verify the incident before issuing an official statement.
