Bandits Attack Construction Site in Zamfara, Killing Five Policemen and Three Soldiers

Bandits attacked construction workers along the Funtua-Gusau highway in Zamfara State, resulting in the deaths of three soldiers and five policemen.

The attack occurred at Yandoton-Tsafe village in the Tsafe Local Government Area around 9 a.m. on Thursday, September 12, 2024.

Mubarak Mohammed, an indigene of the area, said that the security personnel, consisting of five policemen and three soldiers, were assigned to protect a road construction company, Setraco Nigeria Limited.

The armed bandits ambushed them, opening fire unexpectedly.

Mohammed explained that the deceased police and military personnel were stationed on the road to safeguard the construction workers who were repairing the Gusau-Tsafe-Zaria road.

“The bandits set up an ambush in a nearby farm close to the main road, and as soon as the police and military personnel arrived, they opened fire immediately, killing some of them,” Muhammad said.

He added, “There was a heavy exchange of gunfire between the bandits and the security personnel, which resulted in additional casualties among the security forces. Some of the bandits were also killed in the confrontation.”

Muhammad reported that the attack caused chaos on the road, with motorists fleeing in panic, abandoning their vehicles, and seeking refuge in the nearby bushes.

“This road work has been ongoing for several months, but progress has been slow due to frequent attacks by bandits on the construction workers and travelers,” he noted.

Zamfara State Police Command spokesperson Yazid Abubakar confirmed the attack but stated that efforts were ongoing to determine the exact number of casualties. “We are currently addressing the situation, and once we have a complete report, I will provide more details. As of now, I do not have the precise number of officers killed, as we are still awaiting a field report from the team dispatched to the scene,” Abubakar said.

He added, “Our officers have been in the bush for the rescue operation since this morning. I’ve been trying to contact them, but there is no network in the area. I will update you with more information as soon as I receive it and our officers return.”