Bandits killed at least 29 people yesterday in fresh attacks on four villages in Maradun Local Government Area of Zamfara State.

Details of the attacks were sketchy at press time, but our correspondent gathered that dozens of motorcycle-riding gunmen stormed the villages, firing at residents. Seven people were killed at Yan’ kamoji, nine at Sabon Gida, 11 at Tubali and two at Kaya village

Earlier yesterday, gunmen abducted about 40 traders after killing two policemen and four civilians in Mai Kansa village in Maru Local Government Area of Zamfara State, Daily Trust gathered.

Residents told our correspondent that the bandits intercepted about seven trucks conveying traders to Magami market and started firing at them.

Yesterday’s attack came two weeks after 40 illegal gold miners were killed in Bindin village also in Maru Local Government Area.

“They killed two mobile policemen and four civilians on board. They abducted about 40 traders, including women and children and dashed into the forest, firing gunshots into the air,” a resident said.

The bandits, residents added, were heard saying that they would never release those abducted until their herds of cattle seized by security operatives and the vigilante group known as Yan Sakai were returned.

“We are calling the phone numbers of the abducted traders and the bandits would answer in a very harsh tone. They are threatening to kill the kidnapped residents if their demands are not met,” a resident, Murtala Kurar Mota said.

The spokesman of the state police command, DSP Muhammad Shehu, could not be reached for comment at press time. (Daily Trust)

•Photo shows gunmen.

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