11 killed, 20 abducted by bandits in Bungudu LGA, Zamfara State

On Sunday, 24 March, an alleged 11 persons were killed and 20 kidnapped by terrorists in the Gidan Zuma community in Bungudu Local Government Area of Zamfara State. Residents said the kidnapped victims were largely women and children and that the bandits operated with ease as local vigilantes protecting the community were elsewhere defending a neighbouring community being attacked within the period. Gidan Zuma is a few kilometres from Bungudu town, the headquarters of the local government, which is about 12 kilometres from Gusau, the Zamfara State capital. Before Sunday’s event, the community rarely witnessed such due to its vigilantes that effectively challenge armed bandits. “The attackers invaded the town on Sunday after they got a hint that our vigilante members went to assist the neighbouring community that was under attack, the gunmen first killed five people at the entrance of the town and killed six others at the climax of their operation inside the town.” Another resident whose wife and child were among those abducted told BBC Hausa service on Monday how the attack happened. He said the attack happened during the day when most of the residents were observing the Islamic Ramadan fast. “I don’t know the condition of my family now, I watched as they went away with my wife backing the child, I was helpless,” he said.