Armed Bandits Invade 2 Villages in Zamfara, Kill 41 Farmers, Policeman
- Armed bandits have launched a fresh attack on some villages in the Bungudu local government area of Zamfara state
- An eyewitness claimed the criminals invaded farms in the northern villages and killed at least 41 farmers
- Confirming the attack, the police command in the state said operatives engaged the bandits in a gun duel, killing some of them while a cop also lost his life during the encounter
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Bungudu LGA, Zamfara state - Suspected bandits have invaded Tofa and Samawa villages in Bungudu local government area of Zamfara state, killing 41 farmers.
An indigene of the area identified as Malam Balarabe said the bandits invaded the area when the farmers were doing the crops planting and farm clearing, The Punch reported.
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Balarabe maintained that a total number of 41 farmers lost their lives, adding that the bandits did not take anything from the two villages.
He said:
“Their mission was only to kill those who went to their farms."
However, the spokesperson of the state police command, Mohammed Shehu, said the security agency was not alerted on time, adding that the number of the dead victims was yet to be ascertained.
Nevertheless, Shehu said police operatives swiftly moved into action upon being alerted and engaged the criminals in a gun duel.
He said an "unspecified number of bandits was fatally injured (killed)" while others escaped with possible gunshot wounds.
Shehu added that a policeman was killed during the gun battle.
Channels TV in its report of the tragic incident put the number of the dead victims at 26.
Matawalle suspends emir, district head for sponsoring Bandits
Meanwhile, the governor of Zamfara state, Bello Matawalle, has approved the suspension of the Emir of Dansadau, Hussaini Umar and the district head of Nasarawa Mailayi, Bello Wakkala, over alleged ties with bandits in the state.
The governor's media aide, Zailani Bappa, said in a statement issued on Monday, May 31, that the suspension was with immediate effect.
Legit.ng gathered that the governor also directed the district head of Dansadau, Nasiru Muhammad S/Kudu, to oversee the affairs of the emirate.
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Matawalle laments security agencies' lack of quick response
In another related development, Governor Matawalle has attributed the rising cases of banditry in the state to the lack of quick response from security personnel.
The governor added that the state needs more troops to meet up the current security challenges.
Matawalle noted that it has become imperative for the government to explain the rising cases of attacks in recent terms.
Source: Legit.ng
