Suspected bandits have set ablaze a Juma’at mosque, a primary healthcare centre, and at least 10 residential houses in Biyabiki village, located in Tsafe Local Government Area of Zamfara State.
The attack, which occurred around 8:00 p.m. on Saturday, April 12, is believed to be a retaliatory strike by armed loyalists of the notorious bandit leader, Adamu Aliero. Local sources suggest the assault is linked to the recent killing of Aliero’s younger brother, Isuhu Yellow, and his son during a failed ambush on security forces near the Keta area nearly three weeks ago.
Eyewitnesses reported that the assailants stormed the village, set several structures on fire, and left without inflicting casualties or carrying out abductions.
“They only burned down places, including our Juma’at mosque and the local clinic,” said one resident. “They also destroyed 10 houses in an attack that lasted almost an hour.”
Earlier the same day, the group was also reported to have attacked Tsageru village, where additional homes were set ablaze. The coordinated nature of the attacks suggests a broader pattern of reprisal assaults across nearby communities.
“We don’t know what they intend to achieve by destroying public facilities and private homes,” the resident added. “Since the death of Isuhu Yellow, our communities have lived under constant threat. This seems to be part of a larger revenge campaign.”
