Armed bandits have killed five people and kidnapped several women in a series of attacks on villages in Kaura Namoda Local Government Area of Zamfara State over the weekend.

According to local reports, the attacks happened on Saturday and Sunday, August 3, 2025. The villages targeted on Saturday include Dan Isa, Kyatawa, Tudu, Gidan Haruna, Tsunburburawa, Gidan Juli, Tokarawa, and Gidan Bako. In Gidan Haruna, one person lost their life, and eight women were taken by the attackers.

The violence continued on Sunday in Kwalau village, where four people—Abubakar, Murtala, Aminu, and Bello—were killed. One other person, Ashafa, was shot and seriously injured. He was later taken to the general hospital in Kaura Namoda for treatment.

Locals revealed that Kwalau village has become a regular route for bandits. On Saturday night, when they tried to pass through the village after raiding nearby communities, local vigilantes blocked their way. A fierce gunfight followed, which forced the bandits to withdraw.

But on Sunday morning, the gunmen returned in greater numbers, heavily armed. They went directly to the place where vigilante members usually meet and opened fire.

Four vigilante members were killed in the attack, another was wounded, and the attackers kidnapped several women. They also stole food and household belongings from the village before fleeing.

Because of the fear of more attacks, many villagers have run away from their homes, leaving the communities almost empty.

One resident said the attacks are becoming more frequent and described the situation as completely out of control. He also complained that the bandits operate freely without facing any resistance from security forces.

He called on the government to urgently send more security personnel to the area to protect lives and bring peace to the troubled communities.