Despite efforts by the military to contain bandits’ threats in Zamfara forests, locals in villages such as Kurfa Danya, Kurfa Magaji Rafin Gero, Tungar Isa and Barayar Zaki in Bukkuyum and Anka Local Government Areas are still being massacred by the bandits.

Though earlier reports placed the death toll at least 60 people, witnesses told Peoples Gazette at least 218 people had been killed as at last night.

These witnesses and multiple reports have said that burials have begun in the state. 

Daily Trust had also reported on Friday that five communities of Kurfa Danya, Kurfa Magaji Rafin Gero, Tungar Isa and Barayar Zaki in Bukkuyum and Anka LGAs were under attack.

Witnesses said the attack on Anka LGA happened around 12:45 p.m. on Tuesday, when more than 300 armed bandits on motorbikes stormed eight villages and started shooting.

At the time of filing this report, police spokesperson Muhammed Shehu could not be reached for comment. 

The attacks had been confirmed by the state governor Bello Matawalle during a visit to the 82 regular intake from the Nigerian Army in the state.

On Saturday morning, Mr Matawalle visited wounded troops in the hospital to boost morale amongst them and ensure continued support to the fight against banditry. 

Zamfara is among states worst hit by kidnappings and had been under a telecoms blockade since early September, which authorities said they imposed to disrupt coordination among the bandits and help the armed forces tackle them.

The NCC had on September 4, suspended telecommunication networks in the state to block information flow between bandits, kidnappers and their collaborators.

The communications body however lifted the suspension and restored the network in Gusau, the state capital on October 4, while 13 local government areas remained without network.

In November, Mr Matawalle finally lifted the ban on mobile telecommunication networks in the state.