The Zamfara State government has confirmed the killing of nine members of the Community Protection Guards (CPG) by bandits.
Bandits on Sunday killed the operatives of the state-owned security outfit in Tsafe Local Government Area of the state.
Eyewitnesses told journalists on Monday the operatives were ambushed at their checkpoint on the outskirt of Tsafe town and gunned down.
Governor Dauda Lawal established the outfit to complement the efforts of other security agencies in the fight against bandits in the state.
In a statement issued by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Sulaiman Idris, in Gusau on Tuesday, the governor confirmed that the slain personnel were killed in an ambush by bandits.
He described the attack as barbaric.
The governor commended the bravery of the outfit and other troops for their efforts to protect lives and property.
Lawal said: “I received the unfortunate report of an ambush by bandits in Tsafe LGA, during which nine of our brave CPG members were killed.
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“The ambush by the bandits on our guards is a cowardly act as they were dispersed and on the run due to sustained troop onslaught across the state.
“I want to take this opportunity, on behalf of the government and people of Zamfara, to extend my condolences to the families and loved ones of our brave guards.
“Their sacrifice will never be forgotten. I hope those injured recover at the earliest period.
“My government is committed to providing all the necessary support to the families of the frontline guards, who lost their lives.”