World · Africa · 6 hrs ago
Clashes in Nigeria’s Zamfara State Kill More Than 50
Clashes in Zamfara State killed more than 50 people, according to local accounts.
The fighting involved armed bandits and village vigilantes in northwestern Nigeria.
It began after several people were kidnapped in Gummi district, near the village of Zoma, where vigilantes ambushed the bandits.
A village chief said 44 bandits and nine vigilantes were killed in a gun battle.
Zamfara and other parts of northwestern and central Nigeria have faced repeated attacks, kidnappings for ransom and cattle theft by criminal groups known locally as bandits.
Poor communications can delay news of attacks, and a Zamfara police spokesperson said police had not received details of this clash.
The killings come as security and economic hardship are major campaign issues ahead of Nigeria’s presidential election in January.
At least 53 people were killed in clashes between bandits and local vigilantes in Zamfara State, northwestern Nigeria.
Residents said the fighting began after bandits kidnapped several people from neighboring Gummi district.
Vigilantes from Zoma village in Bukkuyum district ambushed the armed group as it traveled through the area.
A village chief said 44 bandits and nine vigilantes were killed, and that a bandit commander known as Jijji was among the dead.
Zamfara police said they had not received detailed information about the clashes.
- Who
- Bandits and local vigilantes from Zoma village.
- What
- At least 53 people were killed in a clash. Residents said 44 bandits and nine vigilantes died.
- When
- The violence erupted Thursday. The date was not stated.
- Where
- Zoma village, Bukkuyum district, Zamfara State, northwestern Nigeria.
- Why
- Residents said vigilantes ambushed the bandits after they kidnapped several people from neighboring Gummi district.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Bandits kidnapped several people from neighboring Gummi district, according to residents.
Vigilantes from Zoma village ambushed the bandits as they traveled through the area, triggering a gun battle.
Residents reported that at least 53 people had been killed in the clash.
- Deaths
- At least 53
- Bandits killed
- 44, according to a village chief
- Vigilantes killed
- 9, according to a village chief
- Location
- Zoma village, Bukkuyum district, Zamfara State
- Named bandit commander
- Jijji, reported by the village chief to be among those killed
2 sources
What people are saying
Our vigilantes killed 44 of the bandits ... we also lost nine vigilantes in the fight
We call on the authorities to provide our vigilantes with guns and ammunition to fight these bandits who use sophisticated weapons