Bandits Kill Zamfara Traditional Ruler, Kidnap 40 Amid Ongoing Peace Dialogue

|By Chinwendu Nwani

Armed bandits led by notorious kingpin, Ado Allero, have slaughtered a traditional ruler and kidnapped dozens of civilians in Zamfara State, intensifying violence in the North West despite ongoing peace talks.

Counter-insurgency expert, Zagazola Makama, disclosed the incident in a post on his X handle on Tuesday. He revealed that Allero’s gang killed the Hakimi of Dogon Dawa in Keta village, Tsafe Local Government Area, at about 4:09 pm on September 15, before abducting 40 worshippers from a mosque in the area.

The rampage did not end there. According to intelligence reports cited by Makama, the same group killed four farmers in Barikin Daji, Ruwan Gizo, Zamfara State, and two Customs officers in Fingilla village, Dandi Local Government Area of Kebbi State.

The spate of attacks unfolded even as government officials and community leaders were engaged in peace dialogue in Faskari, Katsina State. During the talks, bandits reportedly ambushed the convoy of the Commanding Officer of the 382 Army Regiment along Sheme–Kankara Road, but troops successfully repelled the assault. Soldiers of the 17 Brigade also launched counterattacks in Kankara LGA, recovering a motorcycle and mobile phone, while repelling further strikes in nearby communities.

In a series of coordinated assaults, the bandits ambushed Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) personnel at Dafa village, killing one officer and injuring four others. They also abducted 12 residents in Godai village, Bukuyum LGA, and four more in Tudun Moriki, Zamfara State.

Makama described the escalating violence as “brutal and unprovoked,” warning that the terror campaign undermines peace efforts. Ironically, Allero had recently voiced optimism about restoring stability across Katsina and Zamfara, blaming previous failed peace initiatives and his son’s arrest for fueling renewed attacks.

Despite what was billed as a “historic” dialogue, the violence has continued, leaving rural communities trapped in fear.