On the fateful night of October 15, 2023, the tranquil atmosphere of Sakajiki Ward, nestled in the heart of Kaura Namoda Local Government, Zamfara State, was shattered as a gang of well-armed bandits unleashed a reign of terror upon the unsuspecting community.
Violent Onslaught:
From 9:00 pm to 3:00 am, these ruthless criminals, armed to the teeth, stealthily infiltrated Saka-jiki town, leaving a trail of fear and destruction in their wake.
Tragically, the night claimed the life of one brave mobile police officer, who fell in the line of duty while defending the community. To compound the tragedy, the attackers managed to seize a police weapon, further escalating the peril.
Innocent Victims:
The bandits showed no mercy, as they callously opened fire on innocent civilians, claiming the lives of three students from Mal School. These young souls, their lives forever altered, were promptly rushed to the hospital for urgent medical care, their futures hanging in the balance.
Rampant Violence and Looting:
The reign of violence did not stop there. The assailants set properties ablaze, leaving the already distressed residents of Sakajiki in utter despair. Homes were ransacked, and personal belongings were looted, deepening the sense of helplessness that gripped the town.
Residents Speak Out:
Amidst the chaos, Abdulmajid Ahmad Sakajiki, a local resident, expressed his deep distress over the dire situation. He lamented that the bandits now appeared to be more powerful and emboldened than the authorities. Shockingly, within less than 24 hours, the attackers launched a second raid, extending their reign of terror for over three hours, further eroding the sense of security in the community.
Kidnappings and Loss of Life:
As the night wore on, homes were invaded, individuals were kidnapped, and the beleaguered residents lost loved ones, leaving a sense of profound grief and insecurity in their wake.
In response to these harrowing events, the traumatized residents of Sakajiki took to the streets, blocking the Kaura road to Gusau in protest. Their message was clear and urgent: they demanded immediate government intervention to address the relentless bandit attacks that had terrorized their town over the past few days. Their plea was for the swift deployment of security forces to protect their lives and restore peace to their community.
The night of October 15, 2023, will forever be etched in the memories of the people of Sakajiki as a dark chapter in their history. It is a stark reminder of the urgent need for intervention and the restoration of peace in a community left in mourning, grappling with the aftermath of a merciless bandit onslaught.
