A Community Health Officer (CHO) and five other persons have been killed following a bandit attack on Yarkatsinan Laka community in Bungudu Local Government Area of Zamfara State. A primary health centre in the community was also set ablaze during the assault.

According to a statement by the spokesperson of the Zamfara State Police Command, DSP Yazid Abubakar, a large number of armed bandits invaded the community on motorcycles, numbering over 50, and were armed with sophisticated weapons.

He said operatives of the Police Strike Unit swiftly responded and engaged the attackers in a gun duel, during which 11 bandits were neutralised while others escaped with gunshot wounds.

The statement added that two police officers and three civilians lost their lives during the exchange of fire. One injured officer is currently receiving treatment and is responding positively.

Authorities confirmed that normalcy has since been restored in the area and urged residents to continue supporting security agencies with timely and credible information to enhance security operations.