Suspected bandits have attacked the ‘Yar-Nasarawa mining site in Maru Local Government Area of Zamfara State and killed at least 27 people.
The mining site is located around Malele, Ruwan Tofa and Yansawayu axis of Dansadau Emirate.
DAILY NIGERIAN gathered that there were over 300 people working on the site when the bandits invaded and raided the area.
It was further gathered that the terrorists came in a large number of motorcycles.
Our correspondent further gathered that despite the ban on mining activities in the state, some locals still engage in the illegal activity in some parts of the state.
Multiple sources who confirmed the attack to DAILY NIGERIAN said it was carried out jointly by the gangs of notorious bandit kingpins Lawali Damina and Ali Kachalla.
A resident of Ruwan Tofa who escaped the attack said the victim’s body has been recovered and buried according to Islamic rites.
“The terrorists came in large numbers around 4 p.m. while we were on the mining site. We were over 300 on the site when the incident happened.
“Although I don’t know if there are more casualties due to the large number of people on the site, but we lost a total of 27 people within the Ruwan Tofa, Malele, and Yansawayu axis, and 150 motorbikes were stolen by the terrorists.
“The area is calm now, but we have not seen the presence of a single security operative,” said the source.
When reminded that the federal government has banned mining activities in the state, one of the sources said, “Yes, it is true that mining has been banned by the federal government, but it still persists because some of the traditional rulers benefit from it.”
When contacted on Wednesday evening, the Zamfara State government and the Nigerian Police Force said the incident had not been reported to them yet.
The state commissioner for internal security and home affairs, Maman Tsafe, said, “I know the mining site your talking about, but I’m not aware of the attack. I will find out and get back”.
Similarly, the acting police public relations officer of the Zamfara State command, Yazid Abubakar, said, “The incident hasn’t been reported to us. Although mining activities have been banned in the state , I will investigate and give you a feedback”.
They are, however, yet to revert as at the time of filing this report.
