Suspected bandits kill two residents, five security personnel in Zamfara

Suspected bandits on Thursday launched a deadly attack on communities in Gusau Local Government Area of Zamfara State, killing five security operatives and two residents, while setting properties ablaze in a wave of violence that affected Marake, Kaura and Karazau communities. It was gathered that the attackers stormed the communities on Thursday, unleashing terror on residents before engaging security personnel and local volunteers who confronted them. Two residents were reportedly killed during the attack, while five security operatives lost their lives while defending the communities from the invading gunmen, according to conflict reporter Bakatsine. The assailants also reportedly razed a shop, three motorcycles, and a vehicle in Marake and Kaura, leaving residents counting their losses. Further destruction was also reported in Karazau, although the full extent of the damage was yet to be determined as of the time of filing this report. However, according to Bakatsine, despite the heavy casualties and destruction, security personnel, supported by local vigilantes and community volunteers, were able to repel the attackers and stop them from taking control of the affected communities. The attack is the latest in a string of deadly assaults by armed bandit groups in Zamfara State, one of Nigeria's states most affected by banditry, where criminal gangs have continued to terrorise rural communities through killings, kidnappings, cattle rustling and the widespread destruction of property.