By Ibrahim Muhammad
The community of Lilo village in Gusau local government area of Zamfara state has mourned the death of five gallant soldiers who lost their lives while fighting bandits in the area.
Leaders of the community who were at the Nigeria union of journalists (NUJ) press center in Gusau on Wednesday lamented how deplorable roads aid to the attacked on Lilo village and surrounding communities.
The spokesperson to the Lilo village and it’s communities Mohammed Mohammed disclosed that about 10 villagers were also killed by the armed Bandits during an encounter on Monday in the area.
“The incident occurred along Lilo–Gulubba Road in Gusau Local Government Area of Zamfara State, when troops were escorting traders to Gusau market when a large group of bandits ambushed the convoy”. He lamented.
An eye witness who narrowly escaped said, the attackers, who had laid in wait by the roadside, suddenly emerged from hiding and opened fire on the convoy.
“Many of our passengers fled into the bush including me where I laid down, pretended to be dead man while the soldiers immediately retaliated, engaging the bandits in heavy gunfire, that was how I escaped “.He mentioned.
The eyewitness said five soldiers were feared killed in the gun dwell, alongside scores of bandits and subsequent lost of about 10 villagers.
IHe further lamented that “We were going to Gusau with military escorts when suddenly the bandits came out of hiding and attacked us. The soldiers fought back bravely. Many of the bandits were killed, but sadly five soldiers also lost their lives. Some passengers were seriously injured, but many of us managed to escape unhurt. When the bandits realised they were losing the fight, they retreated back to their hideouts.”
Meanwhile,the Lilo village and it’s surrounding communities has appealed to local government, state and federal government to come to their aids,in the area of Education,health and construct roads to ease part of their difficulties and provide adequate security to the entire communities.
When contacted, the Army’s Media Information Officer, Captain David Adewusi, said he was not aware of the incident but promised to get back.
