In a dramatic turn of events, scores of bandits have met their end when they attempted to launch an attack on Matuzgi town in the Talata Mafara Local Government Area of Zamfara State.
The daring assault by the criminals was thwarted by the town’s resilient residents, who ambushed the assailants and engaged them in a fierce gun battle, leaving scores of the bandits dead.
The Zamfara State Police Command has officially confirmed the death of eight bandits, though local sources suggest the toll could be much higher.
According to ASP Yazid Abubakar, the police spokesperson, “We can confirm the killing of eight bandits so far, although we believe there are more casualties as we continue our search in the bush.”
Residents of Matuzgi, emboldened by their successful defence, recounted how they stood their ground against the heavily armed bandits.
“They wanted to overtake us with the intention of killing us, but God gave us victory,” said a local leader.
“Our young men and elders confronted them, and we prevailed.”
As the bandits retreated, witnesses reported that they evacuated the bodies of at least 12 of their fallen foot soldiers, with many more likely unaccounted for.
Additional reports from neighboring Maradun Local Government indicated that another 10 bandits, fleeing the scene, were killed in a nearby village Magamin Diddi, bringing the estimated death toll to 35.
The bandits, believed to be foot soldiers of notorious bandit kingpin Kachalla Jummo Smally, were fingered as the mastermind of the attack on Matuzgi community.
As banditry continues to plague the region, many villages have taken up arms in self-defence, wary of the slow response from authorities.
Despite the victory, the community mourns the loss of three of their own.
Villagers remain on high alert, preparing for the possibility of further attacks.
“We received news that the bandits might try to come back and retrieve the bodies of their friends,” said Malam Bello, a resident who took part in the defence.
