Residents of Birnin Tudu community in Gummi Local Government Area of Zamfara State have claimed that more than 30 bandits were killed during a three-day confrontation following an invasion by armed men.
According to residents, the attackers arrived in large numbers on motorcycles on Tuesday morning, October 20, and launched an assault on the community while some villagers were away harvesting crops on their farms.
The armed men reportedly surrounded the village, opened fire, broke into shops and looted goods. However, residents and local vigilantes mobilised to repel the attackers, leading to several confrontations over three days.
Some residents claimed that at least 11 bandits were initially counted among the dead, with the reported toll later rising to more than 30. These figures have not been independently verified.
The clashes reportedly left three villagers dead inside the community, while others sustained injuries. Additional deaths were also reported in nearby areas.
The vigilante commander in Birnin Tudu, Bello Abubakar, popularly known as Bello Karo Birnin Tudu, said the community had received intelligence about the movement of the armed men before the attack but lacked sufficient personnel to defend the village.
Related News:
Troops Rescue Four Kidnap Victims in Zamfara, Kebbi Operations
Hundreds Flee Niger Community As Bandits Advance From Zamfara
Army Activates Three Battalions To Strengthen Security In Zamfara
He appealed to security agencies and the Gummi Local Government Council to provide additional personnel, an armoured vehicle and other security equipment, warning that the community could face retaliatory attacks.
A retired military officer and security expert, Bello Muhammad Bakyasuwa Maradun, also urged the Zamfara State Government to strengthen security around the community to prevent further violence.
Meanwhile, the Zamfara State Police Command spokesperson, DSP Yazid Abubakar, confirmed the incident and said security measures had been intensified to protect residents.
The police also clarified that reports concerning an attack on another community named Birnin Tudu in Anka Local Government Area were false, stressing that the reported incident occurred in the Gummi LGA community.
Residents have vowed to remain in their homes despite fears of reprisal attacks, while calling on the government to provide urgent security support.
The reported confrontation highlights the growing security challenges facing rural communities in Zamfara State and the urgent need for sustained security operations to protect lives and property.
About the Author
