Suspected armed bandits have invaded Tofa and Samawa villages in Bungudu local government area of Zamfara State and allegedly killed 41 people.
The police authority have not confirmed the figure of those killed in the attack yet but Punch Newspaper reported that 41 persons were killed in the twin attacks which lasted for several hours.
According to the source from one of the affected villages, the bandits arrived invaded the two villages while the majority of the residents were conducting preparation for the farming activities in their farms.
“On arrival they continue firing gunshots and killed many people while several others sustained various degrees of injury”.
It was also confirmed that some of those killed were trapped by the bandits along the road while returning home from their respective farms
SP Shehu Muhammad Zamfara State Police Spokes person confirmed the incident but explained that, the tactical operatives of the Nigerian police were not alerted until after the bandits have finished their onslaught on the people of Tofa community.
Shehu however said, as the bandits left Tofa on their way to Samawa village for a similar attack, Police Tactical operatives Stationed at Samawa village were quickly alerted where they mobilized and engaged the assailants in a serious gun battle that lasted for hours.
He added that as a result of the encounter, an unspecified number of bandits were fatally injured, while others escaped with possible gun shot wounds.
He noted that no life was lost at Samawa as a result of the attack, but explained that a police operative regrettably paid the supreme price while in gun battle with the bandits.
According to Shehu, the Commissioner of Police, CP Hussaini Rabiu has condoled with the families of the deceased and directed the immediate deployment of additional Police tactical operatives to the affected villages to complement the ongoing efforts of safeguarding the lives and properties of the citizens.
Shehu said the CP urged the communities to be quick in informing the security agencies on movement of criminal elements for them to be battle ready and assured that, discreet investigation that will fish out the perpetrators of this bizarre crime for justice to take its course.
