Irate bandits have killed 20 locals and abducted dozens, mainly males in Randa community of Maru local government of Zanfara state after losing two riffles in a gun dwell with a rival armed group.

Reports indicate that fight ensued between fighters loyal to Lawali Damina, a bandits’ kingpin in the area and another armed group over a lady who recently moved into the community from Shinkafi.

Abdulkadir Abdullahi, the village head of Mutumji said the community had since paid the levy Damina imposed on its residents to make up for the missing riffles and avert any possible attack on the community from him going forward.

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Bandits along the border areas of Zamfara, Katsina, Kaduna and Kebbi states reported imposing levies against locals and committing their evil acts unchallenged.

SP Mohammed Shehu, the Zanfara state Police Spokesman told WikkiTimes that he will verify the report and get back to the medium. However, as at press time, the officer could not verify or dismiss the report.