A reign of terror by armed bandits in Zamfara State has left families in grief and entire communities in despair.

Locals allege the notorious bandit leader, Kachalla Bello—popularly called Dansadiya—killed up to 50 abducted villagers from Yamutsawa and Banga in Kauran Namoda LGA.

More than 80 residents were reportedly taken in recent attacks. At least 50 were abducted from Banga village alone. Only 18 returned alive, according to villagers who spoke with Daily Trust.

In Yamutsawa, 33 were kidnapped. Only 13 made it back.

Among the dead were three babies born in the bush. Their mothers had been held for weeks under harrowing conditions.

“It was a horrible situation. They were taken at different times and kept for a long time in terrible conditions,” said a resident familiar with the tragedy.

Psychological Torture in the Wild

Survivors told haunting stories. They said Dansadiya made some captives kill fellow hostages at gunpoint.

“The worst part is that he made them kill each other. This is what the survivors told us. It was psychological torture, beyond anything we have heard before,” said a resident who asked not to be named.

Most of the victims were young boys and girls, between 17 and 20 years old. Only four men and four women among them were adults.

Locals now describe Dansadiya as more dangerous than even the infamous bandit leader Turji. He is known for ruthless killings, often murdering victims even after ransom is paid.

“There are many instances where he collected ransom and still demanded more. Even then, people were killed,” another villager shared.

Security Response Fails Again

People in the area blame poor communication and weak coordination with security forces for the worsening attacks.

“The army operational commander posted to this area doesn’t understand the local language. This makes it difficult to report threats. And when distress calls are made, there’s often no quick response,” said a local source.

Efforts to get comments from the Zamfara Police failed. DSP Yazid Abubakar did not respond to calls as of Saturday night.

The killings have left the two communities in mourning. People are afraid to return to their farms or even gather for prayers.

Rate, Like 👍, Comment💬, share this article, Follow us on our social media handles, and Submit your own story to get featured and earn rewards!