Less than 24 hours after the deadly killing of 11 farmers in Sokoto State by notorious bandit leader, Bello Turji, another wave of violence has erupted in Zamfara State. Armed bandits numbering over 100 stormed Rijiya community in Gusau Local Government Area on Thursday, triggering a fierce battle with security forces.
According to reports from security analysts, including X user, Bakatsine (@DanKatsina50), the attack unfolded moments ago, with military forces swiftly engaging the assailants.
Air support has also been deployed to neutralize the threat, though details of casualties and damage remain unclear at this time.
This latest assault follows a similar pattern of coordinated attacks across the North-West region, where banditry continues to pose a grave security challenge.
Just a day earlier, Turji and his fighters executed 11 farmers in Lugu town, Isa Local Government Area of Sokoto State, further escalating tensions in the region.
In response, the military high command vowed to intensify operations against bandit groups, with Major-General Markus Kangye, Director of Defence Media Operations, issuing a stern warning: “As for Bello Turji, it is just a matter of time—an appointment will be fixed with him by his maker.”
With the battle in Rijiya still unfolding, the attack underscores the persistent threat posed by armed groups in Zamfara and neighboring states.
