Armed Bandits were reported to have killed five soldiers and ten villagers, all traders from Lilo Village under the Mada District of Gusau Local Government Area, Zamfara State.
The community of Lilo village, which mourned the death of five gallant soldiers who lost their lives while fighting bandits in the area, said they were shocked by the bandits’ ambush, which came unexpectedly.
Leaders of the community who were at the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) press centre in Gusau on Wednesday lamented how deplorable roads contributed to the attack on Lilo village and the surrounding communities.
The spokesperson to the Lilo village and its communities, Mohammed Mohammed, disclosed that about 10 villagers were also killed by the armed Bandits during an encounter on Monday in the area.
“The incident occurred along Lilo–Gulubba Road in Gusau Local Government Area of Zamfara State, when troops were escorting traders to Gusau market, when a large group of bandits ambushed the convoy”. He lamented.
An eyewitness who narrowly escaped said the attackers, who had lain in wait by the roadside, suddenly emerged from hiding and opened fire on the convoy.
“Many of our passengers fled into the bush, including me, where I lay down, pretending to be a dead man, while the soldiers immediately retaliated, engaging the bandits in heavy gunfire. That was how I escaped “.He mentioned.
The eyewitness said five soldiers were killed in the gun duel, alongside scores of bandits, and a subsequent loss of about 10 villagers.
He further lamented that “We were going to Gusau with military escorts when suddenly the bandits came out of hiding and attacked us. The soldiers fought back bravely. Many of the bandits were killed, but sadly, five soldiers also lost their lives. Some passengers were seriously injured, but many of us managed to escape unhurt. When the bandits realised they were losing the fight, they retreated to their hideouts.”
Meanwhile, the Lilo village and its surrounding communities have appealed to the local, state, and federal governments to help them with Education and health, construct roads to ease some of their difficulties, and provide adequate security to the entire communities.
When contacted, the Army’s Media Information Officer, Captain David Adewusi, said he was unaware of the incident but promised to get back to them.
