At least four residents were killed on Thursday evening when armed bandits attacked Gwargwaba village in Nahuce District, Bungudu Local Government Area of Zamfara State. The victims were reportedly burned alive after the attackers set several houses in the community on fire.
The attack, which occurred at about 6:00 p.m., has left the village in shock and fear, adding to the long list of violent incidents linked to banditry in Zamfara State. Residents said the attackers were heavily armed and arrived in large numbers, leaving destruction in their wake.
According to a security source, the bandits stormed the village suddenly, giving residents little or no time to escape. In the process, they set houses ablaze, trapping some villagers inside their homes.
“On Thursday evening around 6pm, bandits armed with sophisticated weapons stormed Gwargwaba village in Nahuce District, Bungudu LGA of Zamfara State. Four residents were burned alive in their homes, while houses, food stores and livestock were set ablaze,” the source said.
In addition to the loss of lives, the attackers destroyed food supplies meant to sustain the community and killed livestock, which serves as a major source of livelihood for the villagers. Several animals were reportedly slaughtered or burned during the attack.
The source explained that the assault was a form of punishment after the villagers allegedly refused to pay unlawful levies demanded by the bandits. In many parts of Zamfara and neighbouring states, armed groups impose illegal taxes on rural communities, demanding cash, food items, or livestock.
The villagers’ refusal to comply with the demands was said to have angered the bandits, who then launched a violent reprisal against the community.
Residents who escaped the attack described scenes of chaos as people fled into nearby bushes to save their lives. Many families are now displaced, with some seeking refuge in neighbouring villages and others sleeping in the open.
Zamfara State has been one of the worst-hit states by banditry in northern Nigeria. For several years, armed groups have carried out attacks on villages, killed residents, abducted women and children, and demanded ransom from families and communities.
Despite repeated military operations and security interventions, many rural areas remain vulnerable due to difficult terrain, vast forests, and limited security presence.
Bungudu Local Government Area, where the attack occurred, has witnessed several similar incidents in the past. Communities in the area have often complained of threats, extortion, and attacks by bandits who operate from forest hideouts.
The practice of imposing illegal levies has become common among bandit groups. Security experts say these levies are used to fund their activities, including the purchase of weapons and supplies.
Human rights groups have repeatedly condemned such attacks, describing them as war crimes and violations of basic human dignity. They have also called on the government to do more to protect rural communities.
As of the time of filing this report, there was no official statement from the Zamfara State Police Command or the state government on the incident. However, residents said security agencies were informed shortly after the attack.
The latest killings have renewed calls for stronger security measures and better protection for vulnerable communities. Local leaders have urged the government to increase patrols and establish permanent security posts in flashpoint areas.
Some residents also appealed for humanitarian support, saying many families lost their homes, food supplies, and means of livelihood in the attack.
For the people of Gwargwaba village, the tragedy has left deep scars. Families are mourning loved ones who died in a brutal manner, while survivors struggle to rebuild their lives amid fear of further attacks.
As communities across Zamfara continue to face threats from armed groups, many residents say lasting peace will only come when bandits are disarmed and justice is restored.