Twelve members of a family have been killed after armed bandits reportedly set their room on fire during a night raid on Gidan Taba village in Maradun Local Government Area of Zamfara State.
The attack, which happened on Saturday night in Dosara Birnin Kaya Ward, saw the gunmen storm the community and go after the household of Mallam Muhammadu Sani.
The Chairman of Maradun Local Government Area, Sanusi Ahmed Dosara, confirmed the incident, describing it as a devastating loss.
He subsequently led prayers for the victims before they were buried on Sunday in line with Islamic traditions.
Dosara said the deceased comprised Sani, his wives and their young children, adding that they died from the suffocating heat produced when the attackers set their room on fire.
He explained that the gunmen had traced the family to their hiding place and ordered them to unlock the door. When they refused to comply, the attackers allegedly set the room ablaze, leaving all 12 occupants dead.
The chairman also revealed that several other residents were seized during the invasion, but some regained their freedom after local vigilantes confronted the bandits in a gun battle.
He said the number of abducted persons remained uncertain as residents were still gripped by fear and tension following the incident.
The attackers were also said to have fired shots in different directions to mislead security operatives about their location.
Dosara added that he had visited a nearby police mobile base to discuss improved security cooperation and measures to prevent further attacks on the community.
