Suspected terrorists operating around the Dansadau axis of Zamfara State ambushed commuters travelling along the Magami–Dansadau road on Sunday, killing several people and abducting others.

The attack occurred between 4 p.m. and 5 p.m. when gunmen opened fire on vehicles moving along the troubled route.

A resident of Magami said at least 10 bodies had been recovered, though the final casualty figure remains uncertain.

According to eyewitnesses, travellers had waited for hours before security operatives arrived to escort them to Dansadau.

The convoy was attacked near Dogosatsin village, where assailants targeted the operational vehicle of the security forces.

“The convoy reached Dogosatsin village when the bandits opened fire on the operational vehicle of the security forces who were escorting the commuters to Dansadau, killing both security agents and civilians, CJTF, and leaving several others with different degrees of injuries,” a resident explained.

Members of the Civilian Joint Task Force, security agents, and civilians were among those killed or injured.

Survivors were taken to Magami General Hospital, but many remain stranded due to the absence of security escorts to Gusau for further treatment.

Renewed Fear Along Zamfara’s Roads

The attackers also abducted an unspecified number of travellers heading to nearby villages.

“The bandits also whisked away an unspecified number of people… It took the tremendous efforts of the troops to chase the bandits into the bush with their firepower, which reduced the casualties of the incident,” the resident added.

Police spokesperson Yazid Abubakar confirmed awareness of the attack but said casualty figures were still being verified.

The Magami–Dansadau road has long been a flashpoint for banditry, kidnappings, and cattle rustling.

Despite Governor Dauda Lawal’s visit last year and the launch of a 108‑kilometre road project to improve security access, residents say escorts seem to be the only way to travel safely.