At least 30 persons were killed on Sunday in the Askawa and Gidan Dannunu communities, Zurmu Local Government Area of Zamfara State, by bandits who attacked the areas.

A resident of the community, who did not state his name, said the bandits, who came on 18 motorcycles, shot indiscriminately and stole cattle and burnt barns.

Another villager said the bandits overwhelmed the policemen who engaged them, adding, “About 30 persons were killed. We have buried 12 of them.”

He said the head of Kwata community, who was returning from market, was one of those killed.

Zamfara Police spokesman SP Muhammad Shehu, confirmed the attack, adding, “We are investigating the attack.”

Meanwhile,  bandits suspected to be herdsmen on Sunday invaded Odugbeho community in the Agatu LGA of Benue State where they murdered 27 persons.

A source, Uloko, told our correspondent on the telephone that the day,  Sunday, was a market day, adding that some people were at a burial site when the attackers invaded the community around 5pm.

Uloko said the herdsmen were believed to have come from Nasarawa State and passed through Gwer West in a guerrilla style.

The Chairman of the local government, Adohi Sule, confirmed that 27 people were killed.

He said, “The herdsmen invaded the Odugbeho community between 5pm and 5.30pm on Sunday.”