Bandits have carried out a series of deadly attacks in various villages within Tsafe Local Government Area (LGA) in Zamfara State, resulting in the deaths of two individuals and the abduction of over 60 others. These actions are believed to be a revenge campaign following the recent killings of some of their key leaders by security forces.
The violence erupted after the death of Kachalla Yellow, also known as Dan Isuhu, a notorious bandit leader. Two weeks ago, Yellow was killed during an ambush on members of the Zamfara State Community Protection Guards (C.P.G.) in the Keta area. Alongside him, his nephew and Adamu Aliero’s biological son were also killed in the encounter. Yellow, who was the younger brother of another feared bandit leader, Adamu Aliero, was said to have planned the ambush, but security operatives successfully repelled the attackers in a fierce gunfight, resulting in several bandit casualties.
Since Yellow’s death, the violence in Tsafe has escalated. The most recent attack occurred on Sunday in Gidan Arne village, where bandits killed two residents and wounded another. In addition to the killings, about 40 women were abducted during the raid, and several homes were set on fire. In a simultaneous attack on Keta, one person was killed, 11 vehicles were burned, and numerous shops were looted.
Earlier assaults in the region also saw more kidnappings, with 21 people taken from Yan Doton Daji and Unguwan Chida villages. The attacks have been linked to the ongoing vendetta by bandit groups loyal to Adamu Aliero, who is believed to be retaliating for the loss of his relatives and key operatives.
