No fewer than 20 people have been killed after heavily armed terrorists launched a three-hour daylight attack on several communities in Sauna District of Talata Mafara Local Government Area of Zamfara State.
The attackers reportedly invaded the area at about 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, killing residents, rustling livestock and forcing many villagers to flee before leaving around 5:00 p.m.
Survivors alleged that security personnel stationed near the affected communities failed to intervene during the attack, claiming some police officers and soldiers fled for safety instead of confronting the assailants. The allegation has not been independently verified.
Residents said the gunmen initially attempted to attack Sauna town but were repelled by local vigilantes. They later redirected their assault to nearby communities, including Zauren Goro, Tulluwa, Unguwar Shanu, Tsangaya, Tudun Namali and Tungar Dahiru, where they reportedly met little resistance.
A resident said more than 20 bodies had been recovered, adding that the search for missing farmers was still ongoing. At least five injured victims were said to be receiving treatment at the General Hospital in Talata Mafara.
The attack has renewed concerns over the worsening security situation in Zamfara State, where rural communities continue to face frequent raids by armed groups.
Meanwhile, Amnesty International condemned the killings, describing the attack as further evidence that existing security measures in the state have failed.
The rights organisation said at least 24 farmers were killed during the assault, with several others still missing, and urged authorities to strengthen efforts to protect vulnerable communities and bring those responsible to justice.
