Terrorists led by gang leader, Isyaku Majo, have attacked the palace of the Emir of Zurmi, killing the three palace officials and abducting several residents, including the Shamaki (chief details) of the Emir, Buhari Yusuf.
Zurmi is the second most populous town in Zamfara State, Nigeria.
The attackers targeted the Emir’s palace, aiming to abduct Emir Muhammadu Suleiman but their plans were thwarted by the intervention of soldiers stationed in the town.
A security report indicated that the terrorists initiated the assault on Wednesday night, vandalizing an MTN communication facility in Zurmi to disrupt communication and prevent security reinforcement.
Their primary motive was to abduct the Emir, whom they accused of indifference to the alleged maltreatment of Fulani residents in the area by local vigilantes.
Eyewitnesses reported that the terrorists, numbering over 150 and riding motorcycles, killed three people at the palace gate and abducted three others, including the Shamaki and two residents.
“The terrorists killed three people at the gate of the emir’s palace and abducted three others including the Shamaki (chief details) of the emir, Buhari Yusuf; and two other residents, Aliyu Ahmed and Sa’idu Lawali.
“It was the soldiers stationed at the town that forced the terrorists to retreat but their target was to abduct the emir and they came on over 150 motorcycles.
“As I speak to you, about two-thirds of residents have fled Zurmi town and more people have been fleeing daily since the terrorists overran the emir’s palace on Wednesday, ” A resident said, asking not to be named.
“On the same day, (Monday) they went to the residence of Sani Maidaji, they broke into the house using a digger and abducted his newly wedded wife and two of his male children,” the source added.
While the Police spokesperson in Zamfara, Yazeed Abubakar, stated he was yet to be briefed on the situation, Isyaku Majo claimed responsibility for the attacks in a video posted on Facebook.
Majo, whose elder brother is the traditional head of the Fulani community in Zurmi, demanded an end to the persecution of Fulani people in the area by vigilantes.
In the video, Buhari Yusuf, the abducted Shamaki, pleaded with the Emir to address the grievances of the Fulani community and cease the violence against them.
“I am the Shamaki, Buhari Yusuf. Please Emir save your servants in captivity in the forest, we are above 600 in captivity.
“Stop killing Fulani people, their women and children in Zurmi town, I am pleading with the Emir to summon Fulani leaders and listen to their grievances because their people are being killed in Zurmi town.” The chief detail stated as a voice is heard behind the scene telling him what to say.
Recall that in April 2022, the Zamfara State Government deposed the then Emir of Zurmi, Abubakar Atiku, over his alleged links with bandits.
Also deposed at the time was the Emir of Dansadau, Hussaini Umar, who was accused of frustrating efforts to arrest suspected bandits and aiding cattle rustlers.
Atiku, who later died in an Egyptian hospital, was an uncle to the current Emir, Mr Suleiman.
According to residents, unlike the late Emir, the current one is said not to be close to the Fulanis.
The late emir was the one who appointed Mr Majo (senior brother of the terrorist) as the traditional head of the Fulani community in Zurmi.
Zurmi, located along the border with Niger Republic and sharing a boundary with Katsina State, has been embroiled in turmoil, and this recent attack underscores the urgent need for security measures to safeguard the lives and property of residents.
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