Terrorists on Wednesday night raided Zurmi, the second most populous town in Zamfara State and killed three officials at the Emir’s Palace.
They also abducted some residents.
A terrorism gang leader, Isyaku Majo, later posted a video on Facebook claiming responsibility for the attack and indicating that he was holding hundreds of captives.
The terrorists began the attacks on Wednesday at about 9:45 p.m., according to a security report seen by the media.
The security report said the outlaws vandalised an MTN communication facility in Zurmi in an apparent move to disrupt communication and prevent security reinforcement as they had planned to abduct the emir, Muhammadu Suleiman.
Residents said the terrorists had accused the emir, Mr Suleiman, of indifference to the plight of Fulani residents in the area who were allegedly being maltreated by the local vigilantes.
“The terrorists killed three people at the gate of the emir’s palace and abducted three others including the Shamaki (chief details) of the emir, Buhari Yusuf; and two other residents, Aliyu Ahmed and Sa’idu Lawali.
“It was the soldiers stationed at the town that forced the terrorists to retreat, but their target was to abduct the emir and they came on over 150 motorcycles,” a resident said, asking not to be named.
Another source said the terrorists returned to the town on Monday and killed one Malam Salisu, a worker with the Local Government Education Authority (LGEA).
Meanwhile, a terrorism gang leader, Isyaku Majo, has posted a video showing some of the abducted persons on Facebook, including the emir’s chief details, Mr Yusuf, and claimed responsibility for the attacks.
We’ve got the edge. Get real-time reports, breaking scoops, and exclusive angles delivered straight to your phone. Don’t settle for stale news. Join LEADERSHIP NEWS on WhatsApp for 24/7 updates →
Join Our WhatsApp Channel