Suspected bandits have set ablaze a Juma’at mosque, a Primary Healthcare Centre, and at least 10 residential houses in Biyabiki village, Tsafe Local Government Area of Zamfara State.
The attack, which took place around 8:00 p.m. on Saturday, April 12, is believed to be a reprisal by armed loyalists of the notorious bandit leader, Adamu Aliero.
Local sources link the incident to the recent killing of Aliero’s younger brother, Isuhu Yellow, and his biological son during a failed ambush on security forces deployed to the Keta area nearly three weeks ago. According to eyewitness accounts, the assailants stormed the village, set fire to multiple structures, and left without causing any fatalities or carrying out abductions.
“They only set places ablaze, including our Juma’at mosque and the local clinic,” a resident said. “They also destroyed 10 houses in an attack that lasted for nearly an hour.”
The same group is reported to have earlier attacked Tsageru village on Saturday, burning down more homes in what is suspected to be a coordinated assault across neighboring communities. “We don’t know what they want to achieve by burning down public facilities and homes,” the resident added. “Our communities have been under constant threat since the death of Isuhu Yellow. We strongly believe this is part of a wider reprisal campaign.”