A traditional ruler was killed and dozens of civilians abducted in Zamfara State as armed bandits continued attacks in the North West region, despite ongoing peace talks.

According to security analyst Zagazola Makama, the Hakimi of Dogon Dawa in Keta village, Tsafe Local Government Area, Zamfara State, was reportedly slaughtered by a gang led by the notorious bandit Ado Allero at about 4:09 p.m. on September 15, based on intelligence reports.

Makama disclosed that the same gang abducted 40 civilians from a mosque in the local government area.

“Armed bandits in the North West have continued to terrorise communities in the region, killing, kidnapping, and maiming civilians, amidst the highly publicised peace dialogue in Faskari, Katsina State, aimed at ending banditry in the region,” he said in a post on X.

The security expert added that additional attacks included the killing of four farmers in Barikin Daji, Ruwan Gizo, Zamfara State, and two Customs officers in Fingilla village, Dandi Local Government Area, Kebbi State.

Makama also reported multiple clashes between security forces and bandits on the same day. Troops of the 17 Brigade reportedly ambushed bandits near Gatawa village in Kankara LGA, recovering motorcycles and mobile phones. Other bandit attacks were repelled at Sabon Massallaci village, Katera ward of Kankara LGA, although one woman was killed, several people were injured, and livestock rustled. NSCDC personnel were ambushed at Dafa village on the Yantumaki-Danmusa road, leaving one officer dead and four others injured.

Further abductions were reported in Zamfara State, with 12 people taken in Godai village, Bukuyum LGA, and four more in Tudun Moriki. In Kebbi State, the Lakurawa armed gang reportedly killed two Customs officers in Fingilla village.

Makama stressed that Ado Allero, who participated in the peace dialogue in Faskari, had expressed optimism on Sunday that peace could be restored in Katsina and Zamfara states. He reportedly cited disruptions to past initiatives, including the arrest of his son, as reasons for resuming criminal activities.

Despite the dialogue being described as “historic” and inclusive, the attacks by armed gangs in Zamfara, Katsina, and Kebbi states have continued unabated, reflecting ongoing security challenges in the North West region.