At least 37 bandits were killed in Matusgi village, Talata Mafara Local Government Area of Zamfara State, after residents confronted a gang that had invaded the community intending to abduct locals, Daily Trust reports.
According to a resident who requested anonymity, the bandits arrived on motorbikes around 2 p.m. on Wednesday, planning to carry out abductions.
“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 said.
The bandits began their attack by firing sporadically to intimidate the community. However, the residents, having been alerted in advance, were prepared. Armed with locally-made firearms and traditional weapons, the villagers fought back, encircling the area to prevent the bandits from escaping.
After an hour of intense fighting, the bandits retreated, with 10 of their members reported dead. The residents then regrouped, strategized, and set up an ambush. When the bandits returned, the villagers launched another attack, ultimately killing a total of 37 bandits.
The District Head of Matusgi, Alhaji Ciroma Muhammad, confirmed the incident, stating that three villagers were killed during the clash.
He noted that neighboring villages reported seeing the bandits transporting the bodies of their fallen comrades 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. After payment, only seven of the abducted women were released, with the remaining hostages still in captivity.
