Not more than 20 Fulani traders have been reportedly killed in Dansadau district of Maru Local Government Area of Zamfara State.

It was learnt that the killing of the traders was a reprisal for the death of three people in Ruwan Tofa village, where several animals were rustled.

Malam Mohammed Nuhu, an indigene of the area, told nesmen that some bandits went to Ruwan Tofa village, killed the three people, including a member of the proscribed Yansakai, and rustle cows.

Nuhu claimed that the cows were taken to Dansadau Market for sale, where the Yansakai members from Ruwan Tofa village also went to look for the stolen animals

“Immediately they sighted some cows, they became wild, saying they were the stolen animals and wanted to know who had brought them to the market.

“They were shown three Fulani people who claimed to be the owners of the animals; they killed them and reclaimed their cows,” Nuhu said

Nuhu added that the Yansakai went on rampage, killing some other Fulani men, adding that no fewer than 20 Fulani were killed and several others escaped with wounds.

He maintained that the people of Ruwan Tofa village were battle-ready because of the fear of a reprisal.

An indigene of Ruwan Tofa village, who identified himself simply as Alhaji, told the journalists that they were abandoned by the security agents.

He said: “We have begged the government and security agents to come to our rescue, but up to this moment there are no security personnel in the whole area.”

There has been no reaction from the state government and the police concerning the incident as of the time of filing this report