Suspected bandits have killed 12 members of the same family after setting their residence ablaze during a night attack on Gidan Taba community in Maradun Local Government Area of Zamfara State.
The attack occurred on Saturday night, November 7, in Dosara Birnin Kaya Ward, when armed assailants invaded the community, targeted the family of Mallam Muhammadu Sani and abducted an unspecified number of residents.
According to accounts reported by Vanguard, the family members had reportedly taken refuge in one room, locking themselves inside in an attempt to escape abduction. The attackers allegedly ordered them to open the door but, after they refused, set the room on fire, killing the occupants.
The 12 victims were reportedly buried on Sunday morning in accordance with Islamic rites, while several other residents were taken away by the attackers. The exact number of abductees had not been established as of the time of reporting.
However, accounts from different media organisations have given varying casualty figures. Daily Post reported that 13 people, identified as Sani Ɗanwawo and 12 members of his family, were killed, while Arise News reported 11 deaths and said the Zamfara State Police Command confirmed the attack.
Arise News quoted the police spokesperson, DSP Yazid Abubakar, as saying security operatives were pursuing the assailants and working to restore normalcy in the affected community. Vanguard, however, reported that security agencies had not issued an official statement as of the time its report was filed.
The conflicting casualty figures have yet to be conclusively reconciled.
The attack adds to the persistent security challenges confronting Zamfara State, where armed groups have continued to raid rural communities, kill residents, abduct people and disrupt livelihoods.
Maradun and surrounding communities have experienced repeated attacks, with insecurity also threatening commuters along the Gusau-Sokoto highway.
Residents have condemned the latest killings and called on security agencies and the Zamfara State Government to strengthen protection for vulnerable communities and bring those responsible to justice.
The attack once again raises serious concerns over the safety of rural families in Zamfara, particularly communities exposed to repeated raids and abductions.
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