In a harrowing display of bravery and sacrifice, an elderly member of the Zamfara State Community Protection Guard, believed to be around 75 years old, paid the ultimate price in repelling armed bandits during an attack on Tsafe Local Government. The assault, orchestrated by a group allegedly led by Yusufa, brother to Dogo Gide and Damtawaye, unfolded late Sunday night, targeting the School of Health Technology for student abduction.
Reports indicate that the bandits, numbering in the hundreds and armed to the teeth, descended upon Tsafe Town around 11 p.m. The assailants, riding motorcycles, divided into three factions, with one unit advancing towards the school while the others infiltrated the town.
Swift and coordinated response from vigilant troops stationed at Forward Operating Base (FOB), Tsafe, in collaboration with the Community Protection Guards, ensued, resulting in a fierce firefight to thwart the bandits’ advance. Tragically, amidst the chaos, two valiant vigilante members, including the aforementioned elderly gentleman, lost their lives defending their community.
During the skirmish, the bandits, undeterred by the resistance, resorted to arson, setting ablaze two Hilux vehicles belonging to the Community Protection Guards and soldiers before retreating with their fallen comrades’ bodies.
However, not all factions of the bandits found success, as police intercepted the third group on the bypass, just short of the college. A fierce exchange of gunfire ensued, with law enforcement utilizing tear gas to repel the attackers, forcing them into retreat.
The loss of the elderly vigilante member underscores the profound bravery and selflessness exhibited by those on the front lines of defense against rampant banditry in Zamfara State. As communities mourn the fallen, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing battle for security and peace in the region.
