By: Joy Musa
A wave of grief has swept through the farming community of Jangebe in Talata Mafara Local Government Area following a brutal attack by armed bandits on Friday afternoon. The assault claimed the lives of nine individuals, including five members of the Zamfara Community Protection Guards (ZCPG) and their commander, Garba Dogo, while several others were abducted.
Loading ...Eyewitnesses and local officials confirmed that the victims were ambushed while working on their farms. The attackers, reportedly riding motorcycles and heavily armed, descended on the area in broad daylight, opening fire and abducting residents in a siege that lasted nearly two hours.
Among the deceased were members of the local vigilante group tasked with protecting the community from such incursions. Commander Garba Dogo, a respected figure in the region’s security efforts, was said to have died alongside his colleagues in a valiant attempt to defend the farmers.
Residence described the situation as dire, stating that over 100 people, including women and children, may have been taken by the assailants. “As I’m speaking to you right now, they are searching house-to-house, abducting people,” Faru told reporters.
The Talata Mafara district administrator, confirmed the death toll and expressed deep concern over the growing insecurity. “Everybody is now afraid of going to the farm for fear of being attacked,” said one resident, echoing the widespread anxiety gripping the community.
Security forces have yet to issue an official statement, and clearance operations are reportedly underway to track down the perpetrators. The Zamfara State Government, which has previously recruited vigilantes to support military efforts, is expected to respond with heightened security measures.
This latest tragedy underscores the persistent threat posed by bandit gangs in Nigeria’s northwest, where clashes over land and resources have evolved into a broader crisis fueled by arms trafficking and lawlessness.
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