No fewer than five soldiers and several terrorists were killed on Monday during a fierce gun battle along the Lilo–Gulubba Road in Gusau Local Government Area of Zamfara State, heightening concerns over the persistent insecurity ravaging the North.
The troops were reportedly escorting traders heading to Gusau market when a large group of armed bandits ambushed the convoy.
An eyewitness, Mohammed Isa, who narrowly escaped the attack, noted that the bandits had lain in wait by the roadside before springing out to open fire on the convoy.
“There was pandemonium as passengers fled into the bush for safety, while the soldiers immediately retaliated, engaging the bandits in heavy gunfire,” Isa recounted.
According to him, five soldiers lost their lives in the fierce gun battle, while “scores” of the assailants were killed. Several passengers also sustained injuries and were rushed to the General Hospital in Kotorkoshi for treatment.
Isa added, “We were going to Gusau town with military escorts when suddenly the bandits came out of hiding and attacked. The soldiers fought back bravely.
“Many of the bandits were killed, but sadly five soldiers also lost their lives. Some passengers were seriously injured, but many of us managed to escape unhurt. When the bandits realised they were losing the fight, they retreated back to their hideouts.”
When contacted, the Army’s Media Information Officer, Captain David Adewusi, said he was not yet aware of the incident but promised to provide details later. As of the time of filing this report, no official update had been given.
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Meanwhile, in a separate wave of violence, three farmers were killed and another was injured in attacks on Larkas and Kodahas communities in Panyam District, Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State.
The victims were identified as Gideon Jise (41), Fidelis Usman (49), and Job Amis (28). They were reportedly working on their farms when gunmen struck between Monday and Tuesday morning.
Confirming the incident, Bulus Dabit, President of the Mangu Development Association (MDA), disclosed that the attackers also invaded Jwak village, rustling eight cattle belonging to residents.
He narrated that the violence started on Monday when gunmen attacked herders and stole cattle between Larkas and the Panyam fish farm.
According to him, youths from the Panyam community intercepted the rustlers, recovered 16 cattle, and handed them over to security operatives.
“These subsequent killings are barbaric and unacceptable. We believe herders were behind the attacks,” Dabit alleged.
He commended personnel of Operation Enduring Peace for arresting some suspects, but lamented that cattle rustling, which he described as organised crime, was undermining government efforts to restore peace in Plateau State.
The MDA President called for the establishment of more security posts around Larkas and Jwak to protect lives and property.
