Hussaini Ibrahim 
ZAMFARA, Nigeria – At least 50 villagers are feared dead after heavily armed bandits launch a coordinated overnight assault on Dutsin Dan Ajiya, a rural community in Anka Local Government Area of Zamfara State, marking one of the bloodiest attacks in the state this year.
Residents say the attackers, riding in large convoys of motorcycles, seal off all access roads before opening fire indiscriminately on civilians late Thursday, trapping families inside their homes and fields.
“They blocked every road and started shooting at sight,” a resident tells reporters. “People ran, but many were killed. Others are still missing.”
The raid stretches into the early hours of Friday, with survivors later recording footage of dozens of corpses wrapped in white shrouds, prepared for a mass burial. Several villagers are also abducted, locals confirm.
Hamisu Faru, a member of the Zamfara State House of Assembly representing Bukkuyum South, describes the attack as systematic and ruthless.
“They moved from one community to another, burning houses and killing anyone trying to escape. At least 50 deaths have been confirmed,” he says.
Residents say they alert security agencies after sighting more than 150 motorcycles carrying the assailants, but claim no immediate response follows.
The assault deepens fear across neighbouring communities and renews criticism of security gaps in Zamfara’s rural corridors, long plagued by banditry, kidnappings and mass killings.
Security analysts warn that without sustained military presence, intelligence coordination and community protection, attacks like this will continue to devastate vulnerable populations.
About the Author
Oluwatobi Adu 
Koko Maxwella 
Mirian Gom 
Oluwafunbi Bello