By Yerima Sanusi .
TSAFE, ZAMFARA STATE – Suspected bandits have carried out a devastating reprisal attack in Biyabiki village, Tsafe Local Government Area of Zamfara State, setting a Juma’at mosque, a Primary Healthcare Centre, and at least ten residential houses ablaze.
The assault, which occurred around 8 pm on Saturday, is widely believed by local sources to be an act of retaliation by armed associates of the notorious bandit leader Adamu Aliero. This follows the recent deaths of Aliero’s younger brother, Isuhu Yellow, and his son during an unsuccessful ambush on security operatives in the Keta area approximately three weeks ago.
Eyewitness accounts detail how the armed men descended upon the village, systematically setting fire to multiple structures before retreating without directly attacking residents or carrying out any abductions.
“They only set places on fire, including our Juma’at mosque and the local clinic,” a resident recounted under the condition of anonymity for their safety. “They also destroyed ten houses in an attack that lasted for nearly an hour.”
Adding to the community’s distress, the same group of attackers reportedly struck Tsageru village earlier on Saturday, where they also set fire to several homes. This suggests a coordinated operation aimed at inflicting widespread damage.
“We don’t know what they hope to achieve by burning down public facilities and homes. Our communities have been under constant threat since the death of Isuhu Yellow. We firmly believe this is part of a wider reprisal campaign,” the concerned resident stated.
Efforts to obtain an official reaction from the Zamfara State Police Command proved futile, as repeated calls to the command’s spokesman, DSP Yazid Abubakar, went unanswered.
This latest incident of violence underscores the persistent and severe insecurity plaguing Zamfara State. Despite ongoing military operations in the region, bandit groups continue to terrorize rural communities, highlighting the urgent need for more effective strategies to protect vulnerable populations and quell the activities of these criminal elements.
