A devastating attack by bandits in the Damba area of Gusau, the capital of Zamfara State, has left three policemen dead and sent local residents into a panic. The incident occurred early Saturday morning around 1 a.m., when a large group of armed assailants on motorcycles stormed the area, targeting the police officers stationed there for night duty.

Eyewitness Mohammed Sani recounted the harrowing events, stating that the bandits opened fire indiscriminately upon arrival, resulting in a fierce exchange of gunfire that lasted several minutes. "I was about to go to bed when suddenly I heard several gunshots very close to my house," Sani said. He attempted to alert military personnel and the Divisional Police Officer for assistance, but by the time help arrived, the bandits had already fled the scene.

The attack has left the community in shock, with many residents unable to sleep due to the chaos that unfolded. The sound of gunfire not only terrified the locals but also forced them to flee their homes in search of safety. One resident, Alhaji Shibkau Mudi, expressed deep concern about the persistent threat posed by bandits in the area, highlighting that numerous kidnappings have occurred despite the proximity to the Gusau Government House. "Many important personalities were abducted in this area but were able to regain freedom after payment of large sums of money," Mudi explained, urging both state and federal authorities to bolster security measures.

In the wake of the attack, many residents have begun relocating, with some even selling their properties due to fear for their safety. The situation has escalated to a point where locals feel compelled to leave their homes to escape the ongoing violence.

Zamfara State Police Commissioner, Ahmed Mohammed Bello, visited the Damba police station following the incident and expressed his dismay at the lack of vigilance among some officers. He disclosed that during a prior visit to the duty post, he found all three officers who were later killed asleep. "We will not condone this type of attitude, and henceforth, any officer who is found wanting would be dealt with accordingly," Bello stated, emphasizing the need for accountability within the police force.

The tragic loss of the three policemen has raised alarms about the effectiveness of security operations in Zamfara State, where banditry and kidnapping have become rampant issues. Residents are calling for immediate action from the government to address the deteriorating security situation and ensure their safety as they continue to live in fear of further attacks.