At least 37 bandits met their end in Matusgi village, Talata Mafara Local Government Area of Zamfara State, after local residents bravely confronted a gang that had invaded their community intending to abduct locals, according to a report by Daily Trust.
A resident, who requested anonymity, described the attack, revealing that the bandits arrived on motorbikes around 2 p.m. on Wednesday, planning to abduct villagers. "It was not the first time the villagers had faced bandits, but it was the first instance where they managed to inflict significant casualties," the resident stated.
The bandits began their assault by firing sporadically to instill fear among the residents. However, the community, already on high alert, was prepared for such an attack. Armed with locally-made firearms and traditional weapons, the villagers mounted a fierce resistance, surrounding the area to prevent the bandits from escaping.
After an hour of intense fighting, the bandits, suffering initial casualties, retreated. Not letting down their guard, the villagers quickly regrouped and set up a strategic ambush. When the bandits attempted to return, they were met with another round of heavy resistance, ultimately leading to the deaths of 37 attackers.
The District Head of Matusgi, Alhaji Ciroma Muhammad, confirmed the incident, noting that three villagers were killed during the clash. He also mentioned that neighboring villages had reported seeing the bandits transporting the bodies of their dead on motorbikes.
"This is the 13th time bandits have attacked this village," Alhaji Muhammad said. "Three weeks ago, the bandits kidnapped 23 people, mostly women. They carried out the operation quietly, without firing any shots until after they had left. We only became aware of their departure when they fired a few shots in the distance."
He added that the bandits had demanded a ransom of N150,000 per person for the abducted villagers. After the ransom was paid, only seven women were released, with the fate of the remaining hostages still unknown.
The incident underscores the ongoing insecurity in Zamfara State and the determination of local communities to defend themselves against persistent threats from bandit groups. The villagers' resilience has sent a clear message, but the situation remains tense as they brace for possible retaliatory attacks.
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