Unknown gunmen suspected to be bandits have killed the son of Zamfara State Commissioner for Security and Home Affairs, retired DIG Ibrahim Mamman Tsafe, and three others.

It was gathered that the four persons were killed after the bandits attacked Tsafe town, the headquarters of Tsafe Local Government Area of Zamfara State on Monday night.

Some of the residents of the community disclosed that the assailants invaded Shiyar Namada area close to the commissioner’s residence and opened fire on people.

The residents stated that the bandits were clad in military uniforms, adding that some people observing Tarawih prayer in several mosques around the area fled for safety.

“The commissioner’s son, alongside some other people, were seated at the frontage of his father’s residence during Iftar (breaking of fast) when suddenly the armed men showed up and started shooting at everyone in sight.

“During the attack, most people observing Tarawih prayer in several mosques around the area and residents had to flee for safety. The armed men later withdrew into the forest.

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“As I’m talking to you, I’m at the Waziri’s residence where preparations for the funeral for the dead are underway,” one of the residents, who pleaded anonymity, said.

The attack was confirmed by the Zamfara State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Muhammad Shehu.

Shehu, in a statement on Tuesday, said the state Commissioner of Police, Ayuba N. Elkanah, has ordered the deployment of tactical operatives in the affected community.

The police spokesperson noted that the CP had visited Tsafe to commiserate with the families of those who lost their lives in the bandits’ attack and to also assess the existing security emplacement of the area with a view to deploying re-enforcement that would forestall future attacks on the town and its environs.

“While in Tsafe, the commissioner condoled with the Commissioner for Security and Home Affairs, DIG Mamman Ibrahim Tsafe (retd) and families of other victims of the attack.

“The commissioner of police further directed the State CID to conduct discreet investigation with a view to unravelling the deadly attack.

“He also assured that the deployment of additional joint tactical teams would go a long way in improving the security and safety of Tsafe and its environs,” Shehu added.

The Star