Reports indicate that six members of the Zamfara State Community Protection Guards (CPG), commonly referred to as Askarawa, along with four local vigilantes, were killed in an ambush by bandits in Anka Local Government Area on Saturday.
Sources indicate that these operatives were returning from a successful joint operation with the Nigerian Army, which resulted in the elimination of several bandits. Unfortunately, they encountered an ambush from a group of defiant bandits during their return, leading to the tragic deaths of ten individuals.
Zamfara State Governor, Dauda Lawal, confirmed the fatalities of the security operatives in the ambush. In a statement posted in the Hausa language on his verified Facebook page, the governor noted that the victims had participated in the operation with military personnel in Anka prior to being attacked near the Bagega area.
Governor Lawal further stated that among those killed were six members of the Community Protection Guards and four local vigilantes, known as “Yan Sakai.” He also mentioned that three individuals remain missing, including two members of the Community Protection Guards and one local vigilante.
“The information made available to me that on their way back that when the bandits ambushed them at Bagega and open fire on them killing six Zamfara Community Protection Guards (CPG) and four Yansakai which their burial was conducted Sunday’s morning.
“There are three people that are missing among them, which two are CPG members while one Yansakai. When I learned of the incident, I gave a directive that immediate medical assistance should be offered to the injured persons while the families of those who loss their lives be provided immediate relief materials.
“I prayed that accept the souls of those who paid the Supreme sacrifice in order to protect their communities. May God comfort their families. I prayed God to end the security challenge in Zamfara State, North and Nigeria as a whole.”
Zamfara is one of the states in the North-West and North-Central regions that is worst hit by banditry.
While several lives have been lost, many have been displaced as the bandits keep wreaking havoc in communities.
Despite efforts of security operatives, they continue to launch attacks.