By Desire Emmanuel
The orgy of violent attacks launched by bandits in the Northern part of the country took its toll on four communities in Zamfara State as no fewer than 18 residents were killed while many others were abducted in what was described as coordinated attacks.
On Sunday night, the bandits launched the attacks on Gidan Dawa, Gangara, Tsagero and Marke communities in Tsafe Local Government Area of the state, killing the 18 residents.
A competent source close to the government circle told Impact Nigeria News Online that during the attacks, 10 persons were shot in Gidan Dawa community but four of them were confirmed dead while other residents were abducted.
The source added that in Gangara, three persons were shot dead while a school and house were set ablaze before the marauders went away with an unspecified number of residents.
In Tsagero, six persons were shot dead while four others sustained various degrees of injuries. They also set buildings ablaze before taking away some residents of the community.
The source added that in Marke, five persons were killed and some other residents were abducted.
However, the source disclosed that while the attacks were going on, some residents made distress calls to security agencies but they were unable to get any response from them.
Neither the state government nor any security agencies has made any official comments regarding what looked like coordinated attacks as of the time of writing this report.
Many communities in Zamfara State have come under vicious attacks by bandits as well as terrorists who kill residents, abduct others and thereafter demand huge amounts as ransoms.
In some instances, residents are levied various amounts of money as a condition for them to live in peace and go about their lawful duties.
