Two suspected bandits were killed by local hunters in Gusau Local Government Area of Zamfara State, igniting widespread fear and mass displacement among residents. The incident has prompted villagers to flee their homes, fearing reprisal attacks from the bandits’ associates.
Security sources, cited by counter-insurgency expert Zagazola Makama on Thursday, confirmed the incident occurred on July 22. Hunters from Mada town set up an ambush for the bandits between the villages of Fegin Mahe, Chuna, Kanawa, and Gundumau, resulting in the death of two bandits.
The deaths triggered panic in the surrounding communities. Many villagers sought refuge in Mada town, while others headed to the Zamfara State Government House in Gusau, demanding immediate government intervention and heightened protection from marauding bandits. Protesters carried placards calling for urgent action to address the security threat.
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In response to the protests, the Commissioner of Police for Zamfara State held a meeting with local leaders and assured them of swift action. He announced that village heads would be escorted back to Mada town with an Armoured Personnel Carrier (APC) as a temporary measure, while joint security forces would be deployed to restore calm and ensure the safety of residents.