16 killed as armed bandits raid Zamfara villages

No fewer than 16 persons, including a policeman were feared killed on Monday by dare-devil bandits in Maru local government area of Zamfara State.

According to the Police PRO of the state Command, Lawal Abdullahi, about 150 armed hoodlums riding on motorcycles perpetrated the act.

He said the hoodlums had invaded the three villages of Tungar Rakumi, Mallamawa and Kangarawa on Saturday night.

The police spokesperson said 12 persons were killed in Tungar Rakumi alone, while the other four were killed in Mallamawa and Kangarawa.

“The bandits, who are suspected to have carried out the attack to retaliate the killing of three suspected cattle rustlers by the community in Birnin Magaji Local Government Area last week, were heavily armed with AK 47 rifles,” Mr. Abdullahi said.

The spokesperson complained that the police always face difficulties in trailing hoodlums in the area due to inaccessible terrain and non-availability of telephone network signals.

He, however, assured that in spite of the shortcomings, the police would continue to make the state uncomfortable for criminals to operate in.