No fewer than 20 residents were killed on Wednesday after heavily armed terrorists launched a devastating three-hour daylight assault on several communities in Sauna District of Talata Mafara Local Government Area of Zamfara State, with survivors alleging that nearby security personnel abandoned their duty posts and fled as the attackers unleashed terror.
The attack, which reportedly began at about 2:00 p.m. and lasted until 5:00 p.m., left several communities in ruins as the gunmen killed residents, rustled a large number of livestock and forced hundreds of villagers to flee into surrounding bushes.
Eyewitnesses said the terrorists operated without resistance for hours despite the presence of security operatives stationed within the area.
One survivor said residents repeatedly expected intervention from nearby police officers and soldiers but were left to confront the attackers alone.
According to him, the terrorists moved freely from one community to another while security personnel allegedly fled for their own safety.
The communities affected include Zauren Goro, Tulluwa, Unguwar Shanu, Tsangaya, Tudun Namali and Tungar Dahiru, where homes were deserted as terrified residents escaped for their lives.
Residents disclosed that the attackers initially attempted to storm Sauna town but were repelled by local vigilantes after a fierce gun battle. Unable to penetrate the town, the terrorists reportedly redirected their assault to neighbouring villages where they encountered little or no resistance.
A resident said more than 20 bodies had already been recovered, warning that the death toll could rise as many farmers were still unaccounted for after the attackers invaded farmlands during the raid.
He added that at least five people who sustained gunshot wounds are receiving treatment at the General Hospital in Talata Mafara.
Victims of the attack were being buried on Thursday in accordance with Islamic rites as grieving families and community members mourned those killed.
The latest massacre has once again exposed the worsening security crisis in Zamfara State, where armed gangs have continued to launch deadly attacks on rural communities despite repeated military operations and government assurances aimed at restoring peace.
The allegation by survivors that security personnel fled instead of defending residents is expected to intensify public outrage and raise fresh concerns over the effectiveness of Nigeria’s security response to the persistent violence ravaging the North-West.
Meanwhile, Amnesty International condemned the killings, describing the massacre as further proof that the government’s security strategy in Zamfara has failed.
The human rights organisation said at least 24 farmers were killed when armed attackers invaded Sauna Ruwan Gora Ward, opening fire at close range on people working on their farms, while several others remain missing.
Amnesty International noted that many of the survivors sustained life-threatening injuries and warned that repeated military operations had failed to halt the relentless attacks on vulnerable rural communities.
The organisation urged the authorities to take decisive action to protect residents and end the cycle of violence that has left many communities across Zamfara living in constant fear.