Signature: qzET5E+bpCMcs4dV6DAc8u3pI817QZyhAHmH8iEXn46WsAprBQnA9hz52ncuOB1u0Pw294RANQNkbkh4NDYlYjb+Crw1UB5MuLcc6OO4bmlxWlocuyRw5m3Bc3gYVKw+cbQA+o+6t5PQiAzRKfTpel8w4808nJZZ91+QrzMJBVvXPcJ6V6Od4xJyuNawowaN2lItoq2aZ7+9+DFS1wg5H1rGQVmjH5IPiq+O/FAVbo2lTrezvm8gjmdINdVbU8DtM4/JUu6hlwCtWLsN04XG7q50azffxEr/YgNM/Ulm2hRbkUprUb9eurTQMC//HOW6nShIwSP0aCBLsL5Q5C1oG6Hi3GFMRRBBMmxCEjD9Crllf3gTZt3uw9NFJ/iADTpR48DaOLPQz7yIlr5EJFmI8h1rWc54b2VVX86FT0hepAzgbCojz99EA9bVcOZ53g4t

Fresh waves of terror swept through Nigeria’s North West over the weekend as heavily armed terrorists launched coordinated attacks on communities in Zamfara and Sokoto states, killing at least 18 people, including six soldiers, abducting more than 75 residents and burning a father and his two sons alive.

The separate attacks, which occurred in Kaura Namoda Local Government Area (LGA) of Zamfara state and LGA of Sokoto state, have once again highlighted the worsening security situation across the region, despite ongoing military operations against armed groups. Blueprint reports

Residents said the attackers operated for several hours, leaving behind death, destruction and mass displacement.

Six soldiers killed, scores abducted in Zamfara

The deadliest of the attacks occurred late Saturday night in Kasuwar Daji community, Kaura Namoda LGA of Zamfara state.

Residents said dozens of heavily armed terrorists stormed the town at about 11:30 p.m., targeting a military outpost established to protect the community from frequent attacks.

According to eyewitnesses, the gunmen overwhelmed the soldiers after a fierce gun battle before opening fire indiscriminately on residents.

At least six soldiers were reportedly killed during the attack.

After overpowering the security personnel, the assailants reportedly looted shops, carting away food items, drinks and other valuables before abducting more than 75 residents and disappearing into nearby forests.

The exact number of those kidnapped is still being verified, with fears that the figure could rise as more families account for missing relatives.

Residents recount terrifying ordeal

A resident, Alhaji Aminu Kasuwar Daji, described the attack as one of the worst the community had experienced in recent times.

He said residents were left helpless after the terrorists overran the military base protecting the town.

“We were completely overwhelmed. Once they subdued the soldiers, there was no one left to stop them. They moved freely through the community, looting shops and taking away our people,” he reportedly said.

Former Deputy Speaker of the Zamfara State House of Assembly, Alhaji Namadi Kasuwar Daji, also confirmed the incident.

He said information available to him indicated that many residents were kidnapped after the attackers invaded the community.

The former lawmaker appealed to security agencies to launch immediate rescue operations to secure the release of those abducted.

Father, two sons burnt alive in Sokoto

In neighbouring Sokoto State, another tragedy unfolded in Lajinge village, Sabon Birni Local Government Area, where terrorists killed at least 12 people during an overnight attack.

Among the victims were a father and his two sons who were reportedly trapped inside their house after the attackers set the building ablaze.

Residents said the family had taken refuge inside the house in an attempt to escape the attackers but were burnt alive when the building was engulfed in flames.

Several other houses were also set on fire, while many residents sustained injuries as they fled the community.

Survivors described scenes of panic as families abandoned their homes in search of safety.

The attack forced many villagers to flee to neighbouring communities, fearing another invasion.

North West insecurity deepens

The latest attacks add to a growing list of deadly incidents that have continued to plague Nigeria’s North West, particularly Zamfara, Sokoto, Katsina and Kebbi states.

Despite sustained military operations, terrorists have continued to raid rural communities, attack security formations, rustle livestock and abduct residents for ransom.

The attacks have also disrupted farming activities, forcing thousands of villagers to abandon their communities and increasing fears over food security in the region.

Security analysts have repeatedly warned that the growing sophistication of terrorist groups requires stronger intelligence gathering, improved coordination among security agencies and enhanced protection for vulnerable communities.

Calls for urgent action

The latest killings have triggered fresh calls on the Federal Government to intensify efforts to end the wave of violence across the North West.

Community leaders urged security agencies to strengthen military presence in vulnerable communities and improve response times to distress calls.

Residents also appealed for sustained aerial surveillance and offensive operations against terrorist hideouts to prevent further attacks.

Many families whose relatives were abducted expressed hope that security agencies would intensify rescue efforts to ensure their safe return.

Authorities yet to issue detailed response

As of the time of filing this report, security authorities had yet to issue a comprehensive statement confirming the casualty figures from the two attacks.

However, the incidents have further heightened concerns over the persistent insecurity confronting rural communities in the North West, where recurring attacks have continued to claim lives, destroy livelihoods and displace thousands of residents.

The fresh bloodshed comes amid renewed calls for more decisive measures to tackle terrorism and restore lasting peace to communities across the region.