At least 20 people were killed after heavily armed terrorists carried out a bold daytime attack on several communities in the Sauna District of Talata Mafara Local Government Area of Zamfara State. Survivors claimed security personnel stationed nearby fled instead of protecting residents.
The attackers stormed the area around 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday and remained there until about 5:00 p.m. They killed residents, stole many livestock and forced people to flee.
A survivor told SaharaReporters on Thursday that residents expected security forces to respond but no help came.
“The attack started around 2 p.m. and continued until about 5 p.m. The terrorists operated freely for three hours without any security operatives coming to our rescue,” the survivor said.
“The police and the soldiers who are close by ran away for their own lives, leaving the residents completely at the mercy of the terrorists. Nobody came to protect us while the terrorists moved from one community to another.”
Victims were being buried on Thursday morning according to Islamic rites.
Residents said the terrorists first tried to enter Sauna town but local vigilantes fought back and forced them to withdraw. The gunmen then moved to nearby villages, including Zauren Goro, Tulluwa, Unguwar Shanu, Tsangaya, Tudun Namali and Tungar Dahiru, where they killed people, stole livestock and chased villagers into nearby bushes.
A Sauna resident told Iconic FM Nigeria that the attackers moved freely across the district.
“In my presence alone, more than 20 bodies were recovered,” the resident said. “The search is still ongoing because many farmers were working on their farms when the terrorists invaded. We believe more bodies may still be found.”
He added that at least five injured victims were receiving treatment at the General Hospital in Talata Mafara.
The attack has renewed concerns over the worsening security situation in Zamfara, where residents have long complained about slow responses to distress calls. Claims that nearby police officers and soldiers abandoned their posts are expected to deepen worries about the ability of security agencies to protect vulnerable communities.
Earlier, SaharaReporters reported that Amnesty International condemned the killing of at least 24 farmers in Sauna Ruwan Gora Ward, describing it as more proof that security efforts in Zamfara have failed.
“Amnesty International strongly condemns the killing of 24 farmers by bandits during an attack on Sauna Ruwan Gora Ward of Talata Mafara Local Government Area of Zamfara State. Such killings have been going on across Zamfara State, with many communities left constantly bracing up for the next attack,” the organisation said.
“The gunmen attacked the village and went shooting at close range at any adult found working on his farm. Some farmers escaped with life-threatening injuries. This is yet another proof that whatever security strategy adopted to deal with the situation in Zamfara is not working,” Amnesty International stated.
