The incidents happened as the state battled repeated attacks by armed groups operating from forests, displacing residents, destroying livelihoods and imposing levies on communities.
The military, operating under Operation Fansan Yamma, has launched offensives against the armed groups, killing some of their members and rescuing dozens of kidnapped victims.
Recently, the Nigerian Army activated three new infantry battalions in Zamfara as part of efforts to strengthen security operations and improve rapid response to threats across the state.
Despite these measures, armed groups have continued to attack communities and travellers across the state.
The latest incident happened on Sunday in Bukkuyum LGA where at least 20 security personnel and civilians were reportedly killed when bandits ambushed traders travelling from Gwashi district to Gurusu market.
A resident said eight security personnel and 12 civilians were killed, while several others sustained injuries in the attack.
He said the security personnel killed comprised five soldiers, two mobile policemen and an officer of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).
However, casualty figures provided by residents differed, with another source putting the number of security personnel killed at nine.
The attack reportedly disrupted activities at the Sunday market in Gurusu, leaving traders and residents in fear.
A resident commended the courage of security personnel operating in the area but called on the government to provide them with better equipment to confront the attackers.
“As a matter of urgency, provide bulletproof vehicles to the military at the Anka-Bukkuyum axis. Our soldiers are brave, but they are exposed. How can they fight enemies with superior arms in open Hilux vans?” he asked.
https://dailytrust.com/a-deadly-week-in-zamfara/Several security operatives and civilians have been killed in multiple attacks on communities in Bukkuyum, Maru and Gusau local government areas of Zamfara State in the past one week.
The incidents happened as the state battled repeated attacks by armed groups operating from forests, displacing residents, destroying livelihoods and imposing levies on communities.
The military, operating under Operation Fansan Yamma, has launched offensives against the armed groups, killing some of their members and rescuing dozens of kidnapped victims.
Recently, the Nigerian Army activated three new infantry battalions in Zamfara as part of efforts to strengthen security operations and improve rapid response to threats across the state.
Despite these measures, armed groups have continued to attack communities and travellers across the state.
The latest incident happened on Sunday in Bukkuyum LGA where at least 20 security personnel and civilians were reportedly killed when bandits ambushed traders travelling from Gwashi district to Gurusu market.
A resident said eight security personnel and 12 civilians were killed, while several others sustained injuries in the attack.
He said the security personnel killed comprised five soldiers, two mobile policemen and an officer of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).
However, casualty figures provided by residents differed, with another source putting the number of security personnel killed at nine.
The attack reportedly disrupted activities at the Sunday market in Gurusu, leaving traders and residents in fear.
A resident commended the courage of security personnel operating in the area but called on the government to provide them with better equipment to confront the attackers.
“As a matter of urgency, provide bulletproof vehicles to the military at the Anka-Bukkuyum axis. Our soldiers are brave, but they are exposed. How can they fight enemies with superior arms in open Hilux vans?” he asked.
https://dailytrust.com/a-deadly-week-in-zamfara/
The incidents happened as the state battled repeated attacks by armed groups operating from forests, displacing residents, destroying livelihoods and imposing levies on communities.
The military, operating under Operation Fansan Yamma, has launched offensives against the armed groups, killing some of their members and rescuing dozens of kidnapped victims.
Recently, the Nigerian Army activated three new infantry battalions in Zamfara as part of efforts to strengthen security operations and improve rapid response to threats across the state.
Despite these measures, armed groups have continued to attack communities and travellers across the state.
The latest incident happened on Sunday in Bukkuyum LGA where at least 20 security personnel and civilians were reportedly killed when bandits ambushed traders travelling from Gwashi district to Gurusu market.
A resident said eight security personnel and 12 civilians were killed, while several others sustained injuries in the attack.
He said the security personnel killed comprised five soldiers, two mobile policemen and an officer of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).
However, casualty figures provided by residents differed, with another source putting the number of security personnel killed at nine.
The attack reportedly disrupted activities at the Sunday market in Gurusu, leaving traders and residents in fear.
A resident commended the courage of security personnel operating in the area but called on the government to provide them with better equipment to confront the attackers.
“As a matter of urgency, provide bulletproof vehicles to the military at the Anka-Bukkuyum axis. Our soldiers are brave, but they are exposed. How can they fight enemies with superior arms in open Hilux vans?” he asked.
https://dailytrust.com/a-deadly-week-in-zamfara/