Bandits set mosque, clinic ablaze in reprisal attack

Suspected armed bandits have launched a retaliatory assault 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.

The attack, which took place around 8 p.m. on Saturday, is believed to have been carried out by fighters loyal to notorious bandit leader Adamu Aliero. 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.

Eyewitnesses reported that the armed group descended on the village under the cover of night, torching buildings before escaping. No casualties or abductions were recorded.

“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.”
Earlier the same day, the assailants 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.”

Repeated efforts to reach the Zamfara State Police Command spokesperson, DSP Yazid Abubakar, were unsuccessful, as he did not respond to multiple calls.