Bandits burnt Zamfara police station, killed DCO – Eyewitness

Bandits allegedly killed the Divisional Crime Officer in charge of Zurmi Local Government Area of Zamfara State and set fire to the police station, according to reports.

An eyewitness, Mohammed Ibrahim, recounted over the phone that the bandits, armed with sophisticated weapons and in large numbers, attacked Zurmi town, the headquarters of Zurmi LGA, around 5 pm on Sunday.

Ibrahim stated that upon their arrival, the bandits targeted the police station, opening fire indiscriminately, resulting in the death of the DCO and injuries to other officers before setting the station ablaze.

He explained that the attack on the police station followed the killing of three bandits by vigilantes during a joint operation with the police.

"The vigilante group and the police launched an operation in the forest, where they neutralized three bandits and apprehended one," Ibrahim said. "Later, the captured bandit was fatally beaten. In retaliation, the bandits mobilized and stormed the police station in Zurmi."

He continued, "Believing their comrade was held by the police, they attacked the station, only to find he wasn't there. In frustration, they set the station on fire."

"The military has since deployed to the area, but the bandits have retreated to the forest," Ibrahim added.