In brief
On October 28, Nigerian police confronted a bandit attack in Bukkuyum town, Zamfara State, forcing the attackers to flee. Subsequent searches by security forces and local residents uncovered more than 30 bodies across nearby farmlands. Authorities continue operations to clear the area of armed groups.
Police in Bukkuyum town, Zamfara State, stopped a bandit assault on October 28 and later found over 30 bodies believed to be the attackers, security officials said.
According to Yazid Abubakar, spokesperson for Zamfara State police, the attempted attack was met by a gunfight and most of the attackers fled, he said. "The corpses are believed to be those of the fleeing bandits due to the superior firepower of the security operatives," he added.
"The corpses are believed to be those of the fleeing bandits due to the superior firepower of the security operatives,"
The bodies were discovered scattered across fields near the town and recovered by police and residents. Daily Trust reported that more than 30 suspected bandits were found in farmlands surrounding Bukkuyum after the clash.
Background
Banditry and kidnapping have long plagued Nigeria’s northwest. In February, armed men on more than 150 motorcycles attacked a community in Bukkuyum, killing at least 50 people and abducting dozens of women and children.
Police continue to clear the area for armed groups, saying security operations are ongoing to remove remaining bandits from Bukkuyum Local Government Area.