Gunmen kill 12 family members in Zamfara fire attack

At least 12 members of the same family died after gunmen set their house on fire in Gidan Taba village, Maradun Local Government Area of Zamfara State.

Residents told PUNCH Metro that the attack happened early Sunday. The gunmen invaded the community in Dosara Birnin Kaya Ward, killing family members and abducting other residents.

Mohammed Sama, a local, said the victims were from the family of Mallam Muhammadu Sani. They had locked themselves in a single room to avoid being taken by the attackers.

Sama explained that the gunmen found out the family was inside the locked room. They demanded the family open the door, but they refused.

He said, “The armed men then mercilessly set the room on fire, burning all 12 family members to death inside.”

Sama also mentioned that several other residents were taken during the raid. The 12 victims were buried according to Islamic customs early Sunday morning.

This incident comes as suspected bandits have renewed attacks in Zamfara State. Along the Gusau-Sokoto road, commuters and residents continue to face security issues.

Residents called the killings barbaric and inhumane. They urged security agencies and the Zamfara State Government to do more to protect lives and property in these communities.

As of now, the state police command has not released an official statement about the attack. Attempts to contact the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Yazid Abubakar, for comments were unsuccessful. He could not be reached by phone despite several tries.