At least 20 people have reportedly lost their lives after armed terrorists attacked several communities in Sauna District, Talata Mafara Local Government Area of Zamfara State.
The attackers stormed the area around 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday and carried out operations across multiple villages for about three hours before leaving the communities. During the attack, residents were killed, livestock were taken away, and many people fled into nearby bushes for safety.
Survivors alleged that security personnel stationed around the area failed to respond as the attackers moved from one community to another. Some residents claimed that security operatives abandoned the area during the assault, leaving civilians exposed to the attackers.
One survivor stated that the terrorists operated freely for several hours without any security intervention, despite the presence of police and military personnel nearby.
The affected communities include Zauren Goro, Tulluwa, Unguwar Shanu, Tsangaya, Tudun Namali, and Tungar Dahiru.
Residents said the attackers first attempted to enter Sauna town but were confronted by local vigilantes who engaged them in a gun battle. After facing resistance, the terrorists reportedly shifted their focus to surrounding villages where they carried out further attacks.
A local resident who spoke about the incident claimed that more than 20 bodies had been recovered, while search efforts were still ongoing due to concerns that additional victims might be discovered.
At least five people injured during the attack were reportedly receiving treatment at the General Hospital in Talata Mafara.
The incident adds to the growing security concerns in Zamfara State, where rural communities have continued to face attacks from armed groups despite ongoing efforts by security agencies to restore peace.
Residents have repeatedly raised concerns over delayed responses to distress calls, claiming that attackers often spend hours carrying out operations before security forces arrive.
Authorities have not yet issued an official statement addressing the allegations or confirming the exact number of casualties.
