Zamfara: Bandits burn 12 members of Muslim family alive, abduct seven

* More than 100 killed in six months as attacks, kidnappings persist across the state

The incident, which occurred on Saturday night, November 7, in Gidan Taba village, Maradun Local Government Area of Zamfara State, is another indication that Muslims in Nigeria are among the major victims of terrorism and violent attacks across the country.

Twelve members of the same family reportedly died after bandits set their residence ablaze, while seven other residents were abducted during the attack.

Muslims bearing the brunt of insecurity

The tragedy has again drawn attention to the devastating impact of banditry on Muslim communities, particularly in northern Nigeria, where families, farmers, travellers, Islamic scholars and traditional leaders continue to suffer killings, abductions and displacement.

While the circumstances surrounding individual attacks may differ, the recurring violence shows that Muslim communities are also among those bearing the consequences of terrorism and insecurity in Nigeria.

Attack reportedly targeted vigilante family

According to accounts from residents, the attackers invaded the family residence at about 10pm and set fire to a room after 13 occupants locked themselves inside to avoid being abducted.

Only the wife of the head of the family’s younger brother reportedly escaped, while the remaining 12 occupants died from the intense heat and fire.

The head of the family, Mallam Muhammadu Sani, was reportedly an active member of the community’s vigilante group and had contributed to efforts to resist bandit attacks.

A resident said the community alerted the Maradun Local Government Chairman, Sanusi Ahmed Dosara, who contacted different security formations for assistance. However, security personnel reportedly failed to arrive before the tragedy occurred.

The resident expressed disappointment that no security personnel responded despite the village’s proximity to the local government headquarters, where military, mobile police and regular police formations were located. He estimated the distance from the village to the headquarters at about 1.5 kilometres.

Dosara, who led the funeral prayers for the deceased on Sunday, described the incident as heartbreaking.

The Zamfara State Police Command confirmed the attack but put the death toll at 11. Its spokesperson, DSP Yazid Abubakar, said the family head was one of the community’s strongest vigilantes who had been resisting bandit attacks.

The chairman also confirmed that residents were abducted, although local vigilantes reportedly engaged the attackers and secured the release of some captives.

Over 100 killed in Zamfara in six months

The latest attack came amid a wave of violence that has claimed more than 100 lives across Zamfara State in the last six months, according to a compilation of media reports and humanitarian assessments covering May 1 to November 7, 2026.

The review identified several affected communities across Gusau, Anka, Maru, Talata Mafara, Tsafe, Maradun, Gummi, Bungudu, Bakura and Bukkuyum local government areas.

Among the major incidents, six passengers were killed by an explosive device along Bagega-Anka Road on May 7, while at least 10 people died in an attack on travellers along Magami-Dansadau Road three days later.

On June 7, about 39 elders were abducted during a reconciliation meeting with a notorious bandit leader. Five days later, at least 17 farmers were killed and 13 injured in an attack on Goran Namaye community in Maradun.

At least 24 farmers were also killed in an attack on Sauna district in Talata Mafara on July 21. On August 25, eight travellers were reportedly killed and eight others abducted along the Gusau-Funtua Highway.

The violence continued in September and October, with six Islamic clerics abducted along the Dakko-Damri feeder road on September 12. On October 5, 14 soldiers and mobile police officers were reportedly killed in an attack on a military base in Dansadau, while another ambush on a convoy of traders in Bukkuyum on October 10 left at least 20 people dead.

The attacks have also triggered widespread displacement. An International Organisation for Migration (IOM) assessment documented 8,796 displaced people from 1,677 households across communities in Gummi Local Government Area by June 18. Another assessment in August recorded 14,727 displaced residents from 2,458 households, alongside 14 deaths and 88 injuries.

Security experts demand accountability

Security expert, Dr Kabiru Adamu, described the Gidan Taba incident as a targeted reprisal against a vigilante who stood up to bandits.

He warned that attacks on people defending their communities could discourage local resistance and weaken community security structures.

Adamu also criticised the apparent priority given to political activities ahead of the 2027 general elections over the worsening security situation.

He called for intelligence-led operations, sustained security presence in vulnerable communities, disruption of criminal financing and accountability by federal and state authorities.

Another security analyst, Dr Yahuza Getso, questioned the response of security agencies, particularly given the reported proximity of the village to security formations in Maradun.

He demanded an investigation into whether distress calls were made, the actions taken by security agencies and how the attackers operated and escaped without being challenged.

Getso also called for investigations into alleged support networks sustaining banditry, including informants who provide armed groups with ammunition, food, shelter and other necessities.

The recurring attacks across Zamfara underline the urgent need for stronger security measures to protect communities and prevent further loss of innocent lives.

– With additional information from Daily Trust 

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