According to reports, four persons have died as a result of a bandit attack in Maru Local Government Area, Zamfara State .
The PUNCH was informed by Mohammed Bawa, a town native, that Emir Abubakar Maigari of Maru was able to flee his palace when the bandits broke in, but one of his guards was immediately killed and several others were hurt.
Bawa claims that multiple gun fire also caused damage to the emir’s vehicles.
He clarified that on Thursday, the bandits had also returned to the town in search of the Emir. When they were unable to locate him, they walked from house to house, killing four individuals.
Bawa said, “The bandits invaded the Emir’s palace and opened fire indiscriminately in an attempt to kill the Emir, but he escaped.
“They killed one of the palace guards and damaged all the vehicles in that place.
“The bandits also returned to the town last night, and when they could not see the Emir again, they moved from house to house looking for him, and in the process, they killed four people.
“Their funeral prayers have been conducted today, Friday, according to Islamic injunction”.
Meanwhile, the state government has announced the closure of the popular Maru market for fear that the bandits could attack the people today, Friday being the market day.
In a statement, the state commissioner for information, Munnir Haidara, said, “Following the security situation in Maru town, the state government has closed down the Maru market until the security situation is improved.
“The Executive Governor of the State, Dauda Lawal, is sympathising with the families of those who lost their lives during the bandit attack last Thursday night.”