In a fierce encounter that unfolded in Matuzgi town, Talata Mafara Local Government Area of Zamfara State, scores of bandits met their demise when they attempted to raid the community.
According to official reports from the Zamfara State Police Command, the coordinated defense by local residents resulted in the confirmed killing of eight bandits, though the actual toll is believed to be much higher.
ASP Yazid Abubakar, the spokesperson for the Zamfara State Police, confirmed that Special Operations Police officers were deployed following the clash.
“Officially, we can confirm the killing of eight bandits, even though they are more than that. We are still searching the bush to recover other bodies,” he stated, noting the heavy casualties sustained by the attackers.
The confrontation began when the bandits blocked a key bridge leading into Matuzgi, aiming to overrun the town. However, residents, anticipating the attack, laid an ambush and engaged the assailants in a prolonged gun battle.
“They wanted to overtake us with the intention of killing us, but God gave us victory,” said a resident, Malam Bello, recounting how the community fought back.
In the aftermath of the clash, villagers from neighboring areas reported seeing bandits searching for the bodies of their fallen foot soldiers, with at least 12 bodies evacuated to their enclaves.
Unofficial sources, including investigative journalist Mannir Sani Fura-Girke, revealed that the death toll might be significantly higher.
According to Fura-Girke, 25 bandits were killed in Matuzgi, with an additional 10 slain in Magamin Diddi, Maradun Local Government Area, as they attempted to flee.
The bandits were reportedly foot soldiers of notorious bandit kingpin Kachalla Jummo Smally, whose stronghold is located near Bakalori Dam in Maradun.
As banditry continues to plague Zamfara State, many communities, like Matuzgi, have taken up arms in self-defense, showcasing resilience in the face of persistent security challenges.
