Gunmen stormed communities in Zamfara State late at night, killing several residents and leaving many others injured. The attackers reportedly moved from house to house, shooting sporadically and setting parts of the area on fire as terrified villagers fled into nearby bushes for safety.
Residents said the assault began late in the evening and lasted for hours without immediate resistance. By morning, families were counting their losses and searching for missing relatives. Some survivors described the attack as sudden and brutal, saying the gunmen arrived in large numbers on motorcycles.
Local sources confirmed that several people lost their lives, while others sustained varying degrees of injuries. Many homes were destroyed during the raid, forcing families to abandon their property and seek refuge in neighbouring communities.
The affected communities have faced repeated attacks in recent years, with residents living in constant fear of armed groups who often strike at night. Some villagers said they had earlier raised concerns about security threats in the area.
Security operatives were later deployed to the community after the attackers had fled. Authorities assured residents that efforts were underway to track down those responsible and prevent further violence.
Community leaders called for increased security presence, saying the persistent attacks have crippled farming and other economic activities. They warned that without urgent intervention, more people may be forced to leave their ancestral homes.
Families of the victims were seen mourning their loved ones, while volunteers worked to assist the injured. Makeshift shelters were reportedly arranged for those displaced by the attack.
Residents appealed to both the state and federal governments to intensify efforts to restore peace across Zamfara, insisting that the cycle of violence must end.
Zamfara has remained one of the states most affected by banditry and armed attacks in recent years, with many rural communities bearing the brunt of the crisis.