Bandits have carried out a reprisal attack on Yankuzo community in Tsafe Local Government Area of Zamfara State, setting ablaze the palace of the district head, Babangida Hamza, and looting properties hours after a military offensive targeted their hideouts.

The attackers, reportedly led by a figure identified as Mai Rasha, stormed the community on Tuesday afternoon, firing sporadically as they advanced before burning down the traditional ruler’s residence.

“They rode in shooting and went straight to my palace and burnt it,” Hamza told journalists, confirming that he was not at home at the time of the attack. He added that members of his family had been safely evacuated before the assailants arrived.

According to the district head, he has repeatedly been marked as a target by armed groups operating in the region. He noted that he had previously been forced to relocate due to threats and was abducted about six months ago over alleged links with security operatives.

Residents said the gunmen remained in the community for several hours up until about 3:30 p.m, during which they also carried out a coordinated looting spree, carting away food supplies and valuables from shops and homes.