Twenty-three persons have been killed on Saturday in another senseless attack in Zanuka, Zamfara State.
Zanuka is in Anka Local Government Area of the state.
The attack, the fourth in four villages in the local government, was coming a week after thirty people were killed in Malikawa of Maradun Local Government Area of the state.
Reports reaching Apex News said hoodlums came on motorcycles and blocked major routes in and out of the community before unleashing mayhem on residents.
Data gathered showed that about 85 people might have been killed in various attacks in the state this year.
The chairman of the local government, Alhaji Mustapha Gado, confirmed the latest attack.
The Police Public Relations officer of the Zamfara State Police Command, DSP Muhammad Shehu, on Saturday in Gusau confirmed the attack. Shehu said the attackers also stole cows belonging to villagers.
According to him, a vigilance group known as Yansakai challenged the rustlers, forcing them to flee only for the bandits to reinforce and attack the village.
“On receiving the reports of the attack, the police mobilised to the village and discovered 15 bodies, majority of whom were Yansakai.
“The police have, however, deployed heavy security to the area to maintain peace and stability.
“Bush combing and rigorous patrol is being carried out throughout the area by the police to avoid further loss of lives.”
Shehu said that the state Commissioner of Police, Mr Kenneth Ebrimson, had ordered discreet investigation on the latest incident to catch the perpetrators and bring them to justice.
He pleaded with communities in the state not to relent in providing information to security operatives to end the deadly attacks in the state. (With NAN reports)
