Zamfara in mourning as bandit rivalry snowballs into deadly reprisal, claims 10 lives

A clash between rival bandits has ended in chaos for residents of Tofa village in Zamfara State, where at least 10 civilians lost their lives in a deadly reprisal attack.

The chaos reportedly started on Saturday, June 22, when a notorious bandit known as Uban Gora, operating from the western side of the village in Magami District, Gusau LGA, intercepted and robbed a Golf vehicle travelling from Dansadau.

This angered the bandit group from the eastern flank of the village, who sources say confronted Uban Gora in a rare show of dissent among criminals.

According to Zagazola Makama, Words escalated into violence, and Uban Gora was fatally shot.

Furious by the killing of their member, Uban Gora’s gang leader allegedly mobilized a group of heavily armed men and launched an overnight assault on Tofa on Sunday, June 23.

The attackers stormed the community under cover of darkness, opening fire on residents without warning. Ten people were confirmed dead, and several others sustained gunshot wounds.

Locals say the government must act swiftly to prevent further violence as they now live under uncertain conditions.