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Bandits have launched a series of attacks on several communities in Tsafe LGA of Zamfara State, killing two people and abducting over 60 others in what appears to be retaliation for the recent killing of some of their warlords by security operatives, DailyTrust reports.
Among the slain warlords was Kachalla Yellow (aka Dan Isuhu), who was killed about two weeks ago during a failed ambush on members of the Zamfara State Community Protection Guards deployed to Keta.
He was reportedly killed alongside his nephew-Adamu Aliero’s biological son. Aliero is Yellow’s elder brother and a known warlord.
“He and his gang planned to ambush the guards but were met by a well-armed security team. A fierce gun battle followed, during which Yellow and several gang members were killed,” a resident said.
Another unnamed bandit leader was also reportedly killed around the same time in the area.
Since these incidents, attacks by bandits believed to be loyal to the notorious kingpin, Adamu Aliero, have escalated across Tsafe LGA.
The most recent attack occurred on Sunday in Gidan Arne village, where three residents were shot by bandits. Two died on the spot, while the third is receiving treatment at an undisclosed hospital.
Residents confirmed that about 40 women were abducted during the assault, and several homes were set ablaze.
On the same day, another attack was launched on the Keta community. One person was killed, 11 vehicles were torched, and numerous shops were looted by the assailants.
A community leader from Tsafe, who asked not to be named, confirmed the attacks and revealed that additional coordinated assaults were carried out days earlier in Yan Doton Daji and Unguwan Chida villages.
He said 21 people were abducted-11 in Yan Doton Daji and 10 in Unguwan Chida, near Kucheri town.
“Tsafe is a soft target for bandits because of the thick forests in the area. These forests serve as hideout for some of the notorious kingpins, particularly Adamu Aliero and Dogo Gide,” he said.
Zamfara remains one of the epicentres of banditry in the North West region. Rural communities across the state have endured relentless, brutal attacks, leading to the killing and abduction of countless innocent villagers.
In many areas, bandits have imposed levies on residents before allowing them to harvest their crops.
Those who are unable or unwilling to pay often face violent reprisals, including attacks and the destruction of their means of livelihood.
Last month, six operatives of the Zamfara State Community Protection Guards, popularly known as Askarawa, along with four local vigilantes, were killed in an ambush by bandits.
The attack occurred shortly after a successful joint security operation led by the Nigerian Army in Sunke Forest, which resulted in the neutralisation of several bandits and the recovery of weapons.
In a separate incident in October 2024, nine Askarawa operatives were also ambushed and killed by bandits at a checkpoint on the outskirts of Tsafe town.
Shortly after, the Director General of the community guards, retired General Lawal B. Muhammad, was shot along the Funtua-Tsafe road but survived the attack.
In a separate incident in February 2024, scores of worshippers were abducted during an attack on a mosque in the area.
a car destroyed by explosives in mai gungume village, along dansadau road, zamfara, during an attack, recently
a car destroyed by explosives in mai gungume village, along dansadau road, zamfara, during an attack, recently
A community leader offered insight into the reason behind the renewed wave of violence.
According to him, the attacks are acts of vengeance for the recent losses suffered by the bandits.
“Security operatives have recorded some successes in ongoing operations against the bandits, especially in our forests. They eliminated several key leaders, including Isuhu Yellow, known for his brutality and bloodlust.
“He was the younger brother of Adamu Aliero. These retaliatory attacks are being orchestrated by Aliero’s loyalists,” he said.
Another local source corroborated the claim, saying the attacks are directly linked to the killing of Dan-Isuhu and Aliero’s son.
Efforts to reach the Zamfara State Commissioner for Internal Security, retired Captain Bala Mairiga, were unsuccessful, as he did not respond to calls or text messages.
Similarly, the Police Public Relations Officer in Zamfara State, DSP Yazid Abubakar, said he would contact the Divisional Police Officer in charge of Tsafe and revert-but no update was received as of the time of filing this report.
