At least 12 soldiers and five civilians were reportedly killed with two others captured alive when terrorists attacked a military base in Bindin village of Maru local government area of Zamfara state Tuesday.
A resident of the area, who pleaded not to be mentioned, told Blueprint that the attack occurred when heavily armed bandits, in large numbers on motorcycles, stormed the troops’ location and opened fire.
The attack was said to be a reprisal over the killing of one terrorist who reportedly attempted to attack artisanal miners was overpowered in the process and his AK47 rifle seized on Monday.
According to the resident, the bandits, led by the notorious kingpin Gwaska Dankarami, attacked the area in reprisal over the killing of his member.
The soldiers were said to have engaged the terrorists in a fierce gun battle that lasted for hours, but were overpowered due to the superior number of the attackers.
He further hinted that the 12 soldiers were killed in the encounter, two were abducted by the terrorists.
Weapons and other military equipment were also reportedly carted away according to report.
Efforts to get response from the Nigerian Army under Operation Fansan Yamma in Gusau were not fruitful.
