Bandits set Mosque ablaze in Reprisal Attack
Suspected bandits have razed a Juma’at mosque, a Primary Healthcare Centre, and at least 10 residential houses in Biyabiki village, Tsafe Local Government Area of Zamfara State.
The assault, which occurred around 8:00 p.m. on Saturday, is believed to be a reprisal by armed loyalists of notorious bandit leader Adamu Aliero.
According to local sources, the attack may be linked to the recent killing of Aliero’s younger brother, Isuhu Yellow, and his biological son during a botched ambush against security operatives deployed to the Keta area nearly three weeks ago.
Eyewitnesses said the armed men stormed the village, set several structures ablaze, and fled without inflicting casualties or making any abductions.
“They only set places ablaze, including our Juma’at mosque and the local clinic,” one resident, who requested anonymity for security reasons, told Daily Trust.
“They also destroyed 10 houses in an attack that lasted for nearly an hour.”
The attackers were also reported to have struck Tsageru village earlier the same day, burning down additional homes in what appears to be a coordinated operation.
“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.”
Efforts to reach the spokesman of the Zamfara State Police Command, DSP Yazid Abubakar, were unsuccessful as he did not respond to repeated calls.
The latest violence underscores the persistent insecurity in Zamfara, where bandit groups continue to wreak havoc on rural communities despite ongoing military operations in the region.
