At least five soldiers and ten villagers have been killed in a bandit attack along the Lilo–Gulubba Road in Gusau Local Government Area, Zamfara State.
The assault took place on Monday as troops were escorting traders from Lilo village to the Gusau market. According to eyewitnesses, heavily armed gunmen ambushed the convoy and opened fire, triggering a fierce gun battle.
Speaking at the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Press Centre in Gusau on Wednesday, community leaders from Lilo described the incident as a devastating loss for the area.
They urged government at all levels to step up security measures and provide infrastructural support to safeguard residents and restore peace.Mohammed Mohammed, spokesperson for Lilo and surrounding villages, confirmed the casualties, stating that ten villagers were killed alongside five soldiers. An eyewitness also recounted:
“The bandits emerged from hiding and attacked our convoy. The soldiers fought back bravely in a heavy exchange of gunfire. Sadly, five soldiers lost their lives, and ten villagers were killed. Some passengers were injured, while others escaped into the bush.”
The attackers reportedly retreated after suffering losses during the clash.
Meanwhile, leaders of Lilo and neighboring communities have appealed to the local, state, and federal governments for urgent intervention, particularly in the areas of security, road construction, healthcare, and education, which they say are critical to reducing the vulnerability of rural populations to bandit attacks.
When contacted, the Army’s Media Information Officer, Captain David Adewusi, said he was not yet aware of the incident but promised to provide details later.
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