Terrorists Attack Traders Travelling Under Nigerian Army Escort, Dozens Feared Dead
No fewer than 22 people have reportedly been killed after suspected terrorists ambushed traders travelling under Nigerian Army escort to a weekly market in Zamfara State.
The attack occurred in the early hours of Sunday, October 11, 2026, along the road linking Gurusu and Gwashi in Bukkuyum Local Government Area of the state.
The traders were reportedly travelling to Nasarawa Market when the assailants attacked the convoy, killing several civilians and security personnel.
A resident, Malam Aminu Gwashi, confirmed the incident, stating that several people lost their lives while others sustained injuries. The injured victims were reportedly taken to Bukkuyum General Hospital for emergency treatment, according to Leadership Newspaper.
However, journalist Malik Samuel provided a different casualty breakdown, claiming that four soldiers, three police officers, one Civil Defence personnel and 19 civilians were killed in the attack.
In a post on X, Samuel said the assailants attacked a military-led convoy conveying civilians from Gwashi to Nasarawa Market in Bukkuyum Local Government Area.
He added that the attack occurred between Gwashi and Gurusu, noting that 12 civilian bodies had initially been recovered.
Samuel also suggested that the attack was likely carried out by a suspected bandit leader identified as Muhammad Gwaska.
According to the journalist, the injured victims were evacuated to Anka General Hospital, where there was reportedly a shortage of blood for their treatment.
The incident has heightened concerns over the deteriorating security situation in Bukkuyum and neighbouring communities, where repeated attacks by suspected bandits have disrupted economic activities and endangered residents.
The attack has also raised questions about the safety of civilians travelling under military escort, particularly in rural communities where weekly markets serve as major centres of trade and livelihood.
As of the time of filing this report, Ibom Focus had yet to obtain comments from the Nigerian Army and the Zamfara State Police Command regarding the incident and the reported casualties.
