More than 40 people, including suspected bandits and local vigilantes, have reportedly died following a gun battle between armed men and community security volunteers in Zoma, Bukkuyum Local Government Area of Zamfara State.
One of the suspected bandits reportedly killed during the confrontation was a notorious commander identified as Jiji.
The clash occurred last Wednesday after armed men allegedly attacked the community, prompting local vigilantes to mobilise and confront them.
According to a report by BBC Hausa Service monitored by our correspondent, a Zoma resident who spoke anonymously said the vigilantes received a telephone alert shortly after the attackers arrived.
He said residents also contacted neighbouring communities, asking them to mobilise and join the fight against the gunmen.
However, he alleged that an informant disclosed their mobilisation plans to the bandits before the confrontation intensified.
“The clash lasted from about 8:30 a.m. until 12 noon. Our people killed many of the gunmen, but they also killed nine of our men. Among the bandits killed was one of their commanders known as Jiji,” the resident said.
Although he described the community’s resistance as successful, the resident said the loss of several young men had left the community devastated.
“We don’t have any help except from Allah. All we are asking for is assistance and weapons. If they provide us with arms, they should leave us to confront the gunmen,” he added.
Another resident who spoke to the BBC Hausa Service said the attackers entered from the eastern part of Zoma and had previously terrorised neighbouring communities.
He added that those killed during the confrontation were buried on Wednesday.
Meanwhile, reports have emerged that suspected bandits operating in the Dansadau area of Zamfara State have begun imposing levies on residents of communities under their control.
The police had yet to release an official statement on the reported clash and casualty figures as of the time of filing this report.