At least three people have been killed and several homes destroyed following a late-night attack by suspected bandits in Zamfara State, as insecurity continues to trouble parts of Northern Nigeria.
The attack took place in Dangoro village, located in Bungudu Local Government Area of the state, where gunmen stormed the community and unleashed violence on residents.
According to the spokesperson of the Zamfara State Police Command, Yazid Abubakar, the incident occurred on March 28, 2026, at about 10:30pm.
Abubakar said the attackers, who were armed with AK-47 rifles, entered the village through Nahuche District. They reportedly began shooting into the air and at residents, causing panic as people tried to flee for safety.
During the attack, the gunmen set fire to houses, food storage silos and livestock shelters. Many residents lost their belongings as flames spread across parts of the community.
Witnesses described the scene as chaotic, with families running into nearby bushes to escape the violence. The destruction of silos containing food grains has also raised concerns about food security for affected households.
The police confirmed that three people lost their lives in the attack. Among the victims was a member of the Community Protection Guard, a local security group that often works with authorities to defend communities.
In addition to those killed, five people sustained gunshot injuries, while four others suffered burns from the fires set by the attackers.
All the injured victims were taken to the Federal Medical Centre Gusau, where they are currently receiving treatment. Authorities say the victims are responding positively to medical care.
Following the attack, a joint team of police officers and local vigilante members was quickly deployed to the area.
According to Abubakar, the security team engaged the attackers in a gun battle. The operation forced the bandits to retreat into the bush, with some believed to have sustained gunshot wounds during the exchange.
The police say they have since intensified efforts to track down the fleeing suspects and prevent further attacks in the area.
The Commissioner of Police in the state, Ahmad Muhammad, has assured residents that security agencies remain committed to protecting lives and property.
He also urged members of the public to remain calm and cooperate with security forces by providing useful information that could help in arresting the perpetrators.
Zamfara State has been one of the states most affected by banditry in recent years. Armed groups, often referred to as bandits, have carried out attacks on rural communities, targeting residents, farms and travellers.
These attacks usually involve killings, kidnappings and destruction of property, creating fear among local populations.
Despite efforts by security agencies, including military operations and community policing initiatives, many rural areas continue to experience such incidents.
The latest attack in Dangoro village highlights the human and economic cost of banditry.
Beyond the loss of lives, the destruction of homes and food supplies has left many families displaced and struggling to rebuild their lives.
Residents who depend on farming and stored grains for survival now face uncertainty, especially as food reserves have been destroyed.
Community leaders have called for increased security presence in rural areas and better support for victims of such attacks.
While there has been no immediate statement from the state government, incidents like this often draw concern from both state and federal authorities.
Citizens and civil society groups have continued to call for stronger action to address insecurity, particularly in the North-West region of Nigeria.
They are urging the government to invest more in intelligence gathering, improve coordination among security agencies and address the root causes of banditry.
As security forces continue their search for the attackers, residents of Dangoro and surrounding communities remain on edge.
The police have encouraged people to stay alert and report any suspicious activities, stressing that community cooperation is key to tackling insecurity.
For many Nigerians, the attack serves as another reminder of the urgent need to find lasting solutions to the security challenges facing the country.