Bandits burn 12 family members to death in Zamfara attack

Bandits have killed 12 members of the same family after setting their room on fire during an attack on Gidan Taba village in Maradun Local Government Area of Zamfara State.

The attack occurred on Saturday night in Dosara Birnin Kaya Ward, where the gunmen reportedly invaded the community and targeted the family of Mallam Muhammadu Sani.

Reports said the attackers discovered where the family members were hiding and ordered them to open the door. However, when they refused, the gunmen set the room on fire.

The Chairman of Maradun Local Government Area, Sanusi Ahmed Dosara, confirmed the incident, describing it as unfortunate and inhuman.

He also led the funeral prayers for the victims on Sunday.

“Really, what occurred in Gidan Taba village is heartbreaking and disheartening. A father, his wives and small children, 12 of them, were all killed by fire,” Dosara said.

He explained that the victims died from the extreme heat generated by the fire rather than direct contact with the flames.

“The bandits set the room ablaze. They were not burnt because the fire engulfed the roofing, but the horrible heat resulted in their death,” he said.

Dosara also confirmed that the attackers abducted several residents during the invasion. However, local vigilantes reportedly rescued some of the victims after exchanging gunfire with the bandits.

“It has been confirmed to me by one of the vigilantes that the bandits abducted people, but they blocked them and secured the release of some after an exchange of gunfire,” he said.

The chairman added that the exact number of people taken away remained unknown because of the tension in the area.

“As of now, because the tension is high, we are yet to identify the actual number of people abducted, but later we will have the details,” he said.

He further disclosed that the bandits fired gunshots in different directions to confuse security operatives and hide their actual positions.

The council chairman said he had visited the nearest police mobile base to strengthen security cooperation and prevent another attack.

The 12 victims were buried on Sunday morning in accordance with Islamic rites.