Several travellers have reportedly been killed and others abducted after suspected terrorists ambushed commuters along the Magami-Dansadau road in Zamfara State.
The attack reportedly occurred on Sunday evening between 4pm and 5pm around the Dansadau axis, a route long plagued by banditry and kidnappings.
A resident of Magami, who spoke anonymously for security reasons, said the attackers opened fire on vehicles travelling under the escort of security operatives.
According to the source, at least 10 bodies have so far been recovered from the scene, while several injured victims remain stranded due to security concerns.
The resident explained that commuters had waited for several hours before security personnel arrived to escort them along the road toward Dansadau.
He said the convoy came under heavy attack near Dogosatsin village when the gunmen targeted the operational vehicle of the security team escorting the travellers.
According to him, security personnel, members of the Civilian Joint Task Force, CJTF, and civilians were among those killed and injured during the assault.
He added that some victims were initially taken to Magami General Hospital before being referred to Gusau for advanced treatment, although evacuation had reportedly been delayed because of the absence of another security escort.
The attackers were also said to have abducted an unspecified number of passengers travelling to various communities in the area.
The source, however, credited security operatives for repelling the attackers and preventing even greater casualties after engaging the gunmen in a gun battle.
Reacting to the incident, the spokesperson of the Zamfara State Police Command, Yazid Abubakar, confirmed awareness of the attack but said casualty figures were still being verified.
The Gusau-Magami-Dansadau road has repeatedly witnessed deadly attacks despite ongoing security operations in the region.
Last year, Governor Dauda Lawal flagged off the construction of a 108-kilometre road in the area as part of efforts to improve transportation and security for residents.
