Bandits overrun military post, abduct 70 residents in Zamfara community

Suspected bandits have reportedly attacked Kasuwar-Daji community in Kaura Namoda Local Government Area of Zamfara State, overrunning a military outpost, killing four soldiers and abducting about 70 residents.

The incident was disclosed by journalist Bakatsine, who reports on conflict and insecurity in Nigeria’s North-West, in a post on X on Sunday.

According to him, the attackers stormed the community on Saturday night, overpowering troops stationed at a military outpost.

He alleged that four soldiers were killed during the attack, while several others sustained injuries.

The assailants also reportedly set a military Hilux vehicle and soldiers’ accommodation ablaze before reinforcements arrived from Gusau, the Zamfara State capital.

Bakatsine further claimed that after attacking the military position, the bandits invaded the community, abducting about 70 residents, mostly women and children.

He added that the attackers looted several shops before fleeing the area.

Describing the incident as another tragedy for communities grappling with insecurity, Bakatsine lamented the continued attacks on rural settlements in the state.

He wrote: “SAD NEWS: Last night, bandits launched a deadly attack on Kasuwar-daji community in Kaura Namoda LGA of Zamfara State.

“The attackers reportedly overran a military outpost, killing four soldiers, injuring others, and setting a military Hilux vehicle and soldiers accommodation on fire before reinforcements arrived from Gusau.

“They then stormed the community, abducting about 70 people mostly women and children and looted several shops before fleeing.

“This is another heartbreaking tragedy for families already living under constant fear. How many more innocent lives must be torn apart before our rural communities are truly protected?”

The Nigerian Army and the Zamfara State Government had yet to issue an official statement on the reported attack as of the time of filing this report.