Suspected bandits have launched a devastating attack on Biyabiki village in Tsafe Local Government Area of Zamfara State, setting ablaze a Juma’at mosque, a Primary Healthcare Centre, and at least 10 residential houses.
The assault, which occurred around 8:00 pm on Saturday, is believed to be a reprisal by armed loyalists of notorious bandit leader Adamu Aliero.
According to local sources, the attack may be linked to the recent killing of Aliero’s younger brother, Isuhu Yellow, and his biological son during a botched ambush against security operatives deployed to the Keta area nearly three weeks ago.
“They also destroyed 10 houses in an attack that lasted for nearly an hour.”
The attackers were also reported to have struck Tsageru village earlier the same day, burning down additional homes in what appears to be a coordinated operation.
“We don’t know what they want to achieve by burning down public facilities and homes,” the resident added.
“Our communities have been under constant threat since the death of Isuhu Yellow. We strongly believe this is part of a wider reprisal campaign.”
Efforts to reach the spokesman of the Zamfara State Police Command, DSP Yazid Abubakar, were unsuccessful as he did not respond to repeated calls.
The latest violence underscores the persistent insecurity in Zamfara, where bandit groups continue to wreak havoc on rural communities despite ongoing military operations in the region.
