At least 22 people, including security personnel, have reportedly been killed after suspected terrorists ambushed a convoy of traders travelling under Nigerian Army escort in Zamfara State.
The attack occurred on Sunday, October 11, 2026, along the road linking Gurusu and Gwashi in Bukkuyum Local Government Area, as the traders travelled to attend a weekly market in the area.
A resident, Aminu Gwashi, confirmed the incident, saying the assault claimed several lives, including those of personnel assigned to protect the traders.
He added that several other victims sustained injuries and were taken to Bukkuyum General Hospital for emergency treatment.
In a separate account, journalist Malik Samuel said the casualties included four soldiers, three police officers, one Civil Defence personnel and 19 civilians, although the figures could not be independently verified.
In a post on X, Samuel said suspected bandits attacked the military-led convoy conveying civilians from Gwashi to Nasarawa Market in Bukkuyum Local Government Area.
He disclosed that several security personnel were among those killed, adding that 12 bodies of civilians had been recovered at the time of his report.
Samuel also suggested that the attack might have been carried out by a notorious bandit leader identified as Muhammad Gwaska.
According to him, the injured victims were evacuated to Anka General Hospital, where he said there was a shortage of blood needed to treat the wounded.
The incident has heightened concerns over the worsening security situation in Bukkuyum and neighbouring communities, where repeated attacks by suspected bandits have endangered residents and disrupted economic activities.
Weekly markets serve as major trading centres for rural communities in Zamfara, providing livelihoods for traders, farmers and other residents. The latest ambush has therefore raised fresh concerns about the safety of people travelling to such markets, even when accompanied by security personnel.
As of the time of filing this report, the Nigerian Army and the Zamfara State Police Command had yet to provide official comments confirming the attack and the reported casualty figures.
