Bandits go berserk, set mosque, clinic ablaze in reprisal attack

Gunmen suspected to terror bandits, launched a retaliatory attack on Biyabiki village in Tsafe Local Government Area of Zamfara State, setting fire to a Juma’at mosque, a Primary Healthcare Centre, and at least ten homes.

News Band gathered that the vicious attack, took place around 8pm on Saturday.

The criminal elements, believed to be fighters loyal to notorious bandit kingpin, Adamu Aliero reportedly masterminded the attack.

Local sources suggest it was a response to the recent killing of Aliero’s younger brother, Isuhu Yellow, and his son during a failed ambush on security forces in the Keta area nearly three weeks ago.

This medium gathered that the armed group descended on the village under the cover of night, torching buildings before escaping.

Though, no casualties or abductions were recorded.

“They only set places ablaze, including our Juma’at mosque and the local clinic,” one resident, who doesn’t want to be quoted for security reasons, told Daily Trust.“They also destroyed 10 houses in an attack that lasted for nearly an hour.”

Earlier the same day, the armed criminals also reportedly struck Tsageru village, setting more homes on fire in what appears to be a coordinated series of attacks.

“We don’t know what they want to achieve by burning down public facilities and homes,” the resident added.

“Our communities have been under constant threat since the death of Isuhu Yellow. We strongly believe this is part of a wider reprisal campaign.”

Police in Zamfara State is yet to issue an official statement in respect to the development.

For Diaspora Digital Media Updates click on Whatsapp, or Telegram. For eyewitness accounts/ reports/ articles, write to: citizenreports@diasporadigitalmedia.com. Follow us on X (Fomerly Twitter) or Facebook