Bandits burn 12 family members to death, abduct seven in Zamfara

Armed bandits reportedly killed 12 members of a family and abducted seven residents during an attack on Gidan Taba village in Zamfara State, despite distress calls to security agencies, although police placed the death toll at 11.

Armed bandits have reportedly killed 12 members of one family after setting their residence ablaze in Gidan Taba village, Maradun Local Government Area of Zamfara State.

According to Daily Trust, the attackers invaded the community around 10pm on Saturday, November 7, abducting seven other residents.

The victims, including Mallam Muhammadu Sani, his wives and children, reportedly locked themselves inside a room to escape abduction.

However, the attackers set the room ablaze after the occupants refused to open the door.

A resident accused security agencies of failing to respond despite repeated distress calls.

Maradun Local Government Chairman Sanusi Ahmed Dosara confirmed the tragedy, saying:

“What occurred in Gidan Taba village is heartbreaking and disheartening. A father, his wives and small children, 12 of them, were all killed by fire.”

Meanwhile, Zamfara Police spokesperson DSP Yazid Abubakar confirmed the attack but placed the death toll at 11.

Local vigilantes reportedly rescued some abducted residents following a gun battle with the attackers.