Gunmen Kill 25, Abduct 40 in Zamfara State, Northwest Nigeria

Not less than 25 people were killed on Saturday night when gunmen stormed three Zamfara State communities, an official said.

The lawmaker representing Zurmi West in the Zamfara State House of Assembly, Yusuf Moriki, told the News Agency of Nigeria that the incident occurred at Dole, Tudun Bugaje and Kwangwami communities in Zurmi Local Government Area.

Mr. Moriki said 25 were killed, while many others were injured during the attack.

“So far, we have the record of 25 people who were killed during the attack, while many others injured have been taken to hospital for treatment,” he said.

The bandits attacked the villages on Saturday night after carrying out similar attacks in some communities at neighbouring Shinkafi Local Government Area, the previous day.

Saturday’s attack occurs about two weeks after gunmen killed over 40 people in another attack in Zamfara.

PREMIUM TIMES reported how the gunmen suspected to be cattle rustlers stormed a mining site in Gidan Ardo Village of Bindin district of Maru Local Government Area.

Witnesses in the area said the gunmen, numbering over 70, rode into the mining site at around 3 p.m. on November 7 and shot anyone on sight, killing over 40 persons and injuring several others.

Another 40 people were kidnapped by gunmen in Maru Local Government Area of the state on Friday.

Speaking on Saturday’s attack, the police spokesperson, Dan Awunah, said seven of the victims were members of the communities where the hoodlums attacked. He told the News Agency of Nigeria that two others were policemen.

He said the Police Mobile Force and the Counter-terrorism Unit had been deployed to the area to restore law and order.

While speaking further on the killings, Mr. Moriki commended security agencies in the state for measures so far taken to restore peace and stability in the area, but urged them to do more.

He appealed to the people of the area to remain calm as the state government in collaboration with security agencies, was making efforts to restore peace and stability in the area.

He also urged them to continue to pray and seek God’s intervention in the insecurity challenges facing the state and the country.

Culled from: Premium Times Newspaper

http://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/headlines/215831-zamfara-killing-spree-continues-25-killed-fresh-attack.html