More than 50 people were killed in the attacks carried out by bandits between Thursday and Friday night in Anka and Bukuyum local government areas of Zamfara State, a state lawmakers has stated.
The attacks have been widely reported by multiple media organisations, although details of the casualty figures continue to vary.
The violence, which reportedly targeted several villages, including Mudutse, has heightened fears among residents as insecurity persists in parts of the North-west state.
Hamisu Faru, who represents Bukuyum South in the state House of Assembly, told German media outlet, DW, that the assailants moved through forest routes before storming the communities.
“Between Anka and Bukuyum, the terrorists crossed the main bridge from the Gando forest. They crossed the Baraye Zaki river and entered Mudutse village. They surrounded the town and began setting houses ablaze, shooting anyone who tried to escape,” Mr Faru said.
“Initially, we counted 41 bodies. As I speak, reports received after the late afternoon prayer show the death toll has risen to over 50. In our region, this is a catastrophe beyond words.”
Residents also reported that dozens of women and children were abducted during the attacks, although the exact number could not be independently verified.
Allegations of delayed response
Mr Faru also alleged in the DW report that security agencies were alerted while the attack was ongoing but failed to check the attackers.
“We contacted the authorities responsible for air support, and a jet was deployed. We provided them with real-time information. They said they could see the attackers and were tracking them,” he said.
“We kept giving updates until about 3:30 a.m., but the jet did not neutralise anyone. The bandits carried out their operations and left.”
PREMIUM TIMES could not independently verify the claim about the air response as of press time.
Residents describe hardship
A resident of the affected area told DW that the attacks have left communities in distress, with many fleeing and food supplies destroyed.
“People are fleeing. There is no food left — everything was burned. They abducted more than 30 or 40 women and took them into the forest,” the resident said.
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Government reacts
According to DW, the Zamfara State Government condemned the attacks and expressed condolences to affected families.
The government also said a delegation had been dispatched to the affected communities while efforts were being intensified to prevent further incidents.
Residents and local officials have, however, continued to raise concerns about the effectiveness and timeliness of security responses in the area — an issue PREMIUM TIMES is monitoring.