Bandits Plot Reprisals in Zamfara as Death Toll Climbs in Plateau, Benue
Bandits in Zamfara State are reportedly organizing coordinated retaliatory attacks across the region following recent large-scale security operations that resulted in significant losses, including the killing of a notorious kingpin's son and several commanders. This development comes as the death toll from violent incidents in Plateau and Benue states has risen, with northern elders and youth groups expressing deep concern over the escalating bloodshed.
Plateau State Violence Claims Lives
In Plateau State, no fewer than four individuals, including three farmers and a herder, have been reported dead following separate violent incidents in Barkin Ladi and Riyom Local Councils. The leadership of the Berom Youth Moulders Association (BYM) and the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) confirmed these tragic events.
According to both groups, the farmers were killed on Sunday night in Pwomol village, Heipang District of Barkin Ladi council area. The herder lost his life yesterday morning in the Jol community, Riyom local council. Rwang Tengwong, spokesperson for BYM, stated that the attack specifically targeted vigilance youths tasked with guarding the village. He added that another individual was injured and is currently receiving medical care.
The National President of BYM, Dalyop Solomon Mwantiri, condemned the attacks and urged security agencies to conduct a thorough and transparent investigation. "BYM commended the swift intervention of the Special Task Force, Operation Enduring Peace, and urged residents of the area to remain vigilant and report any suspicious movements to security agencies," he said. "The Berom Youth Moulders Association remains committed to the protection of lives and the pursuit of justice for victims of violent attacks across Berom land and beyond."
Plateau State Chairman of MACBAN, Ibrahim Yusuf Babayo, recounted the killing of their member, explaining: "The deceased was ambushed alongside his younger brother, but the young man escaped. They gunned him down. They were heading to a nearby community when suddenly they were attacked. I personally reported the incident to DSS and the commander of Operation Safe Haven. We recovered the body from Sector 6, Makera, Riyom LGA."
Zamfara Bandits Plan Retaliatory Strikes
In Zamfara, intelligence sources indicate that bandits are planning coordinated retaliatory attacks across the state. This is believed to be a response to sustained offensives conducted by military forces in collaboration with the Department of State Services (DSS) and hybrid security units under Operation Fansan Yamma. These operations targeted bandit enclaves in the Tsafe council area and surrounding forest corridors.
The Guardian learned that the operation led to the neutralization of approximately 65 bandits, including high-profile commanders operating under the network of Ado Aliero, a notorious figure linked to years of violent attacks, kidnappings, and cattle rustling across Zamfara and neighboring states. Among those killed was Kachalla Iliya Sarki, identified as the son of Ado Aliero, alongside other field commanders who played key roles in coordinating armed operations in the region.
Other commanders reportedly eliminated during the offensive included Dogo Sule and Iliya Mai Rasha, as well as additional field leaders who coordinated attacks across Tsafe, Maru, and surrounding communities. Security sources said the sustained operations also dismantled several bandit enclaves in Munhaye and adjoining forest belts, disrupting logistics networks and freeing victims previously held in captivity.
One of the slain commanders, Kachalla Biyabiki, was said to have been holding several abducted victims at the time of the operation, while another leader, Kachalla Dogon Bete, was also neutralized during the gun battle. Intelligence officials noted that this development has significantly weakened the operational structure of Ado Aliero's network but may also trigger retaliatory violence from surviving fighters seeking revenge. Sources have indicated that a well-known bandit leader, Bello Turji, has been linked to the planned mobilization.
Northern Elders Decry Rising Attacks
Similarly, northern elders and youth groups yesterday decried the rising killings in Plateau, Kaduna, and Benue states. Reacting to the development, Abdul-Azeez Suleiman, Director of NGOs/CSOs for the Northern Elders Forum, lamented the scale of the bloodshed. He described the killings as brutal, inhumane, and symptomatic of a deepening national crisis.
Suleiman called for immediate emergency meetings involving community leaders, traditional rulers, and security agencies to assess the situation and develop a coordinated response. The director warned of a growing humanitarian crisis, calling for urgent provision of food, shelter, healthcare, and psychosocial support for victims.
Benue Death Toll Increases
In Benue State, the death toll from the Mbalom attack over the weekend has increased to 17 with the discovery of more bodies by the search party. Though the Chairman of Gwer local council, Timothy Adi, who earlier pegged the figure at nine, did not respond when The Guardian called for more enquiries yesterday, a member of the search party confirmed the figure as 17.
Residents who fled the community were, as of yesterday, still wary of returning. A local, who identified himself as Tyolaha, said the community witnessed the first rains just a few days ago, signaling preparations for the farming season.
Political Criticism Over Insecurity
However, former presidential candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Adewole Adebayo, has criticized President Bola Tinubu for the rising wave of insecurity in the country, accusing him of paying mere lip service to the crisis. He made these remarks during a visit to Anguwan Rukuba in Jos, Plateau State, following a deadly attack on Palm Sunday night that reportedly claimed no fewer than 29 lives and left several others injured.
Adebayo lamented the persistent killings and destruction of property across the country, describing the situation as a clear indication of failure in leadership. According to him, the government has the capacity to tackle insecurity if there is genuine political will, insisting that those responsible for the Jos attack are not beyond the reach of the authorities.
"The criminals who carried out this attack are not stronger than the government. If there is seriousness, they can be identified and brought to justice. Tinubu is only paying lip service to the insecurity confronting the country," Adebayo said.
The SDP chieftain also expressed sympathy with the people of Anguwan Rukuba over the tragic incident, assuring them of his solidarity in this difficult time. He urged residents to remain vigilant while calling on security agencies and relevant authorities to take decisive action to restore safety and prevent further attacks.
