Terrorists launched a daring raid on the palace of the Emir of Zurmi, Alhaji Bello Muhammad Bunu, resulting in a tragic loss of three lives and the abduction of numerous residents.
The attack, which occurred at approximately 10 pm on Wednesday, also targeted the residence of former Military Administrator Colonel Bala Muhammad Mande (rtd).
Eyewitnesses recounted the harrowing events as the bandits attempted to breach the palace by firing upon the entrance gate.
Fortunately, the gate remained locked, thwarting their initial attempt. However, the assailants resorted to vandalizing nearby structures, including a GSM mast, and setting fire to two generators.
Sources indicated that the emir had been the primary target of the attack, having narrowly escaped a previous abduction attempt. In the aftermath of the incident, he was quietly relocated to the state capital for safety.
Undeterred by their failure to access the palace, the bandits redirected their aggression towards the former military administrator’s residence, firing shots that inflicted damage on the property. As they retreated from the town, they left behind a trail of casualties, claiming the lives of three individuals and abducting several others.
A resident, speaking on condition of anonymity, described the panic and told Daily Trust, “We don’t know the number of people abducted because when the bandits started the shooting, residents ran into the bush for safety.
“No one dared stay back when the bandits were firing shots. The magnitude of the gunshots was scary. Hence, we all ran into the bush for our dear lives.
“We are calling on the government to provide enough soldiers to the town because the bandits may return again since they know the emir is in town.
“All they want is to abduct the emir, and we don’t know why they want to kidnap him.”
While the Commissioner of Police in Zamfara confirmed the attack and the abduction of one palace staff member, reports indicate additional abductions, including the Sarkin Gida of Zurmi Emirate and a local tea seller.
