At least 14 people have been killed after suspected bandits attacked two communities in Bukkuyum Local Government Area of Zamfara State, residents told Arise News.

Eyewitnesses said the attackers stormed Rubuki and Yargalma communities on motorcycles on Tuesday afternoon, firing sporadically and setting houses, vehicles, and food supplies ablaze with residents still inside. The assault lasted about four hours before the bandits withdrew.

Nine people were killed in Rubuki and five others in Yargalma, according to residents. Eight people sustained varying degrees of injuries and are receiving treatment in hospital.

Zamfara has been an epicenter of rural banditry, with farming communities frequently targeted. Police and state officials had yet to issue a statement at press time.