Overnight Siege: Attackers Storm Village for 10 Hours, Torch Buildings, Shoot Fleeing Residents

No fewer than 50 residents were reportedly killed after armed bandits attacked Dutsin Dan Ajiya village in Anka Local Government Area on Thursday night, leaving the community in deep mourning.

A resident, who spoke anonymously, said the attackers, armed with sophisticated weapons, stormed the village and opened fire indiscriminately.

The source added that the assailants blocked major access routes into and out of the community, preventing residents from escaping during the assault.

He said, “After blocking all the roads, the bandits started to shoot at sight and the villagers ran helter-skelter.

“After the attack, we realised that 30 people were killed; some were wounded, while several others are at large and nobody knows their whereabouts.”

Several residents were also abducted.

International news agency Reuters also reported that the death toll from the attack stood at no fewer than 50.

A lawmaker representing Bukkuyum South, Hamisu Faru, told the agency that the assailants invaded the village from about 5 p.m. on Thursday until roughly 3:30 a.m. on Friday, setting buildings ablaze and shooting residents attempting to escape.

“They have been moving from one village to another, leaving at least 50 people dead,” Faru said.

A 41-year-old resident, Abdullahi Sani, also confirmed that three of his family members were killed during the assault, lamenting the emotional toll on survivors.

“No one slept yesterday; we are all in pain,” he said.

Sani further explained that residents alerted security operatives and local authorities after spotting more than 150 motorcycles conveying the attackers, but no assistance arrived.

Efforts to reach the state police spokesperson, Yazid Abubakar, for comment were unsuccessful.

The attack came a day after the Zamfara State Government donated Armoured Personnel Carriers and a drone to security personnel to fight against banditry.

The Minister of Defence, Gen Christopher Musa (rtd), who received the donation, had urged troops of the Nigerian Army to take decisive measures against any bandit or terrorist who failed to surrender or lay down their arms during the operation.

Zamfara is part of the North-West states being ravaged by banditry despite sustained military onslaught.