Armed bandits launched an ambush on Zurmi town, the headquarters of Zurmi local government in Zamfara State, targeting the Emir’s palace in an attempt to kidnap Emir Alhaji Muhammed Bunu.
According to resident Malam Aminu Sale, the bandits fired shots upon entering the palace but were unable to capture the Emir, who was safely evacuated to Gusau by security agents. During the attack, the bandits destroyed a transformer and a telecom mast booster.
Tragically, three individuals were killed, and several others were abducted. Additionally, the bandits targeted the residence of former Military Administrator of Nasarawa state, Col Bala Mande (Rtd).
This is not the first such incident in Zurmi; similar attacks have occurred in the past.
Likewise, Maru town, the headquarters of Maru local government council, was also attacked by bandits, resulting in one fatality and three abductions.
According to the source, the bandits killed three people, who were kidnapped during the incident.
He said the bandits, who entered the town at about 11:00 pm on Wednesday, also attacked the house of a former Military Administrator of Nasarawa state Col Bala Mande (Rtd).
“In fact, we the residents of Zurmi town have witnessed a terrible situation from the bandits’ attacks. This is not the first time the bandits have entered Zurmi town, it is not the second time.
“Similarly, the bandits had again on Wednesday last night attacked Maru town the headquarters of Maru local government council where they killed one person and kidnapped three people in their invasion,” a resident of Maru town, who identified himself as Aminu Maru, told our correspondent through telephone.
According to him, the bandits spent more than two hours operating in the town.
“It took them bandits over two hours operating in the town and as I am speaking to you now, many residents mainly women and children have fled from the town for their safety.”
The prolonged operation in Maru forced many residents, particularly women and children, to flee for safety.
Despite repeated attempts, the spokesperson for the state police command, ASP Yazid Abubakar, could not be reached for comment on the attacks.