Communities Reel from Deadly Attacks by Bandits in Zamfara, IPOB Militants in Anambra
In a wave of violence that has left communities devastated and security forces scrambling to respond, armed groups have carried out deadly attacks in Zamfara and Anambra states, resulting in multiple fatalities, injuries, and widespread displacement. PRNigeria reports that the incidents have further heightened concerns about the deteriorating security situation in parts of Nigeria.
Zamfara: Bandits Kill, Displace Residents, and Rustle Cattle
Between March 20 and 21, 2025, armed bandits launched a series of brutal attacks on communities across Zamfara State, leaving a trail of death and destruction in their wake.
The attacks, which targeted villages in Talata-Mafara, Bukkuyum, and Kaura-Namoda Local Government Areas (LGAs), claimed several lives, displaced numerous residents, and resulted in the theft of livestock.
In Tudun-Biri village, Talata-Mafara LGA, suspected bandits stormed a Fulani settlement around 10:30 a.m. on March 20, setting houses ablaze and killing one person. Witnesses reported that the attackers arrived in large numbers, torching huts and destroying properties, forcing many residents to flee their homes. The displaced are now seeking refuge in nearby villages, with the community left in chaos.
Later that evening, around 6:32 p.m., a heavily armed group attempted to overrun a Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) camp in Gurusu, Bukkuyum LGA. Vigilantes engaged the attackers in a fierce gun battle, successfully repelling them after an intense exchange of gunfire. However, the clash claimed the lives of three CJTF operatives and three community members, while one CJTF member was abducted. Four others sustained gunshot wounds and were rushed to a local medical facility for treatment. The attackers retreated into the forest after suffering losses, but tensions remain high in the area.
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In a separate incident on March 21, gunmen struck Gidan Fulani village in Kaura-Namoda LGA at midnight, rustling an unspecified number of cattle after firing warning shots to intimidate villagers. Security sources have confirmed that efforts are underway to track down the attackers and recover the stolen livestock. Authorities are monitoring the affected areas to prevent further violence, while local vigilante groups have intensified patrols to protect vulnerable communities.
Anambra: IPOB Militants Kill Five in Restaurant Attack
In a separate incident on March 20, 2025, gunmen suspected to be members of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN), attacked a restaurant near the Odumegwu Ojukwu University gate in Uli, Anambra State, killing five people. The attack occurred at around 12:30 p.m. when six armed assailants arrived in a black Lexus SUV and opened fire on diners, including members of the Anambra Vigilante Group (AVG).
The victims include Okechukwu Iriakano, a member of the AVG; Ifeanyi Esenwaka of Umuoma Community; an unidentified middle-aged man; a yet-to-be-identified commercial motorcyclist; and a female relative of the restaurant owner. Joint military and police forces were deployed to the scene, but the attackers had already fled. The victims were rushed to Arch Angel Hospital in Uli but were confirmed dead on arrival. Their remains have been deposited in the hospital morgue for autopsy.
Following the attack, the Commissioner of Police for Anambra State Command and the Commanding Officer of the Artillery Support Regiment in Onitsha visited the scene for an on-the-spot assessment. Security forces have launched a manhunt for the fleeing suspects, and investigations are ongoing.
Calls for Enhanced Security Measure
These attacks have underscored the urgent need for enhanced security measures and coordinated efforts to combat armed groups and militias across Nigeria. The violence in Zamfara and Anambra has left communities traumatized and raised questions about the effectiveness of current strategies to address insecurity.
In Zamfara, residents are calling for increased military presence and support for local vigilante groups to protect vulnerable communities. In Anambra, the brazen attack near a university campus has sparked fears about the safety of students and residents, with many urging authorities to intensify efforts to dismantle militant networks.
As investigations continue, the public remains hopeful that the perpetrators will be brought to justice and that measures will be implemented to prevent further bloodshed. The incidents serve as a stark reminder of the ongoing security challenges facing Nigeria and the need for sustained action to restore peace and stability.
By PRNigeria
