Suspected bandits attacked a commercial bus in Zamfara State on Thursday evening, killing at least six passengers—including women and children—and abducting several others.
The assault occurred around 7 p.m. along the Kucheri-Wanzamai road in Tsafe Local Government Area, shortly after the state-imposed daily road closure meant to curb banditry.
Eyewitnesses reported that the 18-seater bus had developed a mechanical fault after passing a military checkpoint. Though the driver managed to repair it and continue the journey, he soon noticed armed men on motorcycles trailing the vehicle.
“The bandits suddenly opened fire, causing the driver to lose control. The bus veered off the road, somersaulted, and burst into flames,” a source said. Some victims died from gunshot wounds, while others perished in the ensuing fire.
Nigerian Army troops stationed nearby responded to the gunfire, engaging the attackers in a shootout that forced them to retreat. A security source confirmed that soldiers rescued 21 passengers and rushed the injured to Tsafe General Hospital.
The attack highlights the persistent insecurity in Zamfara despite government measures, including restricted highway travel. Authorities have yet to comment on the abducted passengers as operations continue to track the assailants.
