Many terrorists feared as Five soldiers were killed in Zamfara ambushed

From A. A Chakwa Gusau

Clashes between soldiers and several terrorists led to the death of five soldiers.

The encounter occurred along Lilo–Gulubba Road in Gusau Local Government Area of Zamfara State.

Report shows that, The troops were escorting traders to Gusau market when a large group of bandits ambushed the convoy.

Mohammed Isa an eye witness said, the attackers, who had laid in wait by the roadside, suddenly emerged from hiding and opened fire on the convoy.

“There was pandemonium as passengers fled into the bush for safety, while the soldiers immediately retaliated, engaging the bandits in heavy gunfire,” Isa said.

According to him, five soldiers were killed in the gun dwell, alongside scores of bandits.

Several passengers were also injured and rushed to the General Hospital, Kotorkoshi.

Isa added, “We were going to Gusau town with military escorts when suddenly the bandits came out of hiding and attacked. 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 back to their hideouts.”

When contacted, the Army’s Media Information Officer, Captain David Adewusi, said he was not aware of the incident but promised to get back.

“I am not aware of this, but I will call you back,” he said.

However, as of the time of filing this report, he had yet to provide an update.

Meanwhile, in a related development, three farmers were killed and another injured in separate attacks in Larkas and Kodahas communities, Panyam District, Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State.

The National President of the Mwaghavul Development Association, Bulus Dabit, confirmed the incidents to journalists.

He said the killings occurred in two separate attacks between Monday and Tuesday morning.

Dabit identified the victims as Gideon Jise (41), Fidelis Usman (49), and Job Amis (28), adding that they were working on their farms when gunmen struck and killed them.

He further disclosed that the assailants later invaded Jwak village and rustled eight cattle belonging to members of the community.

Giving details, Dabit explained that the violence began on Monday when gunmen attacked herders and rustled cattle between Larkas and the Panyam fish farm.

Youths from Panyam intercepted the rustlers while they were passing through the community, recovered 16 cattle, and handed them over to security operatives in the area.

He condemned the subsequent killings, describing them as “barbaric,” and accused herders of being behind the attacks.

The MDA president commended personnel of Operation Enduring Peace for arresting some suspects but stressed that cattle rustling, which he described as organized crime, was undermining government efforts to restore peace in Plateau State.

He called for the establishment of additional security posts around Larkas and Jwak communities to forestall further attacks and protect lives and property.

The spokesman of Operation Enduring Peace, Major Samson Zhakom, had yet to respond to calls and messages from our correspondent.