The Zamfara State Police Commissioner, Muhammed Shehu Dalijan, has confirmed that 12 people, including seven police officers, were killed by bandits in Magarya village, located in the Zurmi Local Government Area.

According to a report by LIB, armed bandits attacked the community early on Thursday, June 6, 2024.

The victims included a member of the Zamfara State Community Guards, known as Askarawan Zamfara, and four villagers.

CP Dalijan confirmed the deaths of his officers to Daily Trust on Thursday night, explaining that about 300 bandits invaded the village on motorbikes.

He said,

“The bandits were not happy with our men who prevented them from carrying out their heinous act for over two years now
 
“Since the deployment of police to the area, the bandits could not have a chance to attack the village.”

The police commissioner stated that additional police personnel would be sent to the area.

A resident named Muhammad Yusuf told Daily Trust that the attackers entered the village at 5:10 am when people were getting ready for the morning prayer (subhi).

He also mentioned that the bandits set fire to two houses, a car, and several silos.

He said,

“The bandits also rustled three camels and some cows, sheep and goats. However, they did not abduct anybody during the operation,”

“When the bandits attacked the village, the occupants ran into the bush. When they returned, we took a head count and discovered that 12 people, including seven mobile policemen, were killed
 
“This is the fourth time bandits are attacking our village. The first attack was two years after the deployment of a mobile police unit to the area. They attacked the village three times before the deployment of security personnel.”

Another resident, Ibrahim Shehu, said many of the villagers had fled for fear of further attacks.

“We are terrified. And you know that these people are like animals. Since they promised to come back, it is better for us to leave the area for our lives. Very few people remained in the village.”