Bandits have razed seven villages near Gusau, the capital of Zamfara State, in a series of attacks that began on Saturday, according to security analyst Bakatsine.

The affected communities include Bargaja, Makera, Kahuta, Hayin Mai Cibi, Yar Geba, Hayin Yakubu, and Unguwar Mata. Fresh attacks were also reported on Sunday evening near Mada village in the same Gusau Local Government Area.

"Since Saturday, bandits have burnt seven villages near Gusau, Zamfara," Bakatsine revealed in a post on X (formerly Twitter) on Sunday.

Katsina Road Closed Due to Rising Attacks

In a related development, authorities have shut down a key road in neighboring Katsina State following an escalation in bandit activities. The closed route runs from Mararrabar Maigora through Maigora, Sabon Layi Galadima, Fankama, and Faskari to Yankara.

According to Bakatsine, the closure follows a particularly violent Saturday during which bandits shot four people and abducted several others along the route.

"The road from Mararrabar Maigora through Maigora, Sabon Layi Galadima, Fankama & Faskari to Ƴankara has been shut due to rising bandit attacks. Yesterday alone, they shot 4 people, and abducted several others," the security analyst stated.

As of the time of filing this report, authorities in both Zamfara and Katsina states have yet to release official statements regarding these incidents.

These attacks add to the growing security concerns in Nigeria's northwestern region, where banditry has displaced thousands and disrupted economic activities in recent years. The incidents come despite repeated assurances from security agencies about ongoing operations to combat armed groups in the region.