By Ghazali Ibrahim
At least 20 people, including soldiers and police officers, have been killed after gunmen ambushed a convoy of traders travelling under military escort in Zamfara State.
The attack occurred on Saturday, October 10, as the traders travelled from Gwashi to Nasarawa market in Bukkuyum Local Government Area of the state, according to a Reuters report published on Monday.
A local resident, Musa Danladi, told Reuters that the attackers struck at about 2pm. He said he participated in recovering the bodies of the victims.
Those killed reportedly included four soldiers, three police officers, one officer of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and 12 civilians.
A military source confirmed the attack and said 19 people were wounded.
The Nigerian Army and Zamfara State Police Command had not immediately issued official statements confirming the casualty figures in the Reuters report.
The latest attack adds to the security challenges facing Zamfara and other north-western states, where armed groups frequently attack communities, abduct residents for ransom and target travellers.
The killing of traders and security personnel despite the military escort has also raised fresh concerns about the safety of people travelling to markets in the region.
Further details about the attackers and the circumstances surrounding the ambush were not immediately available.
