areas of the state. Babangida A resident of one of the communities explained that bandits came in a large number on motorbikes firing and torching residential houses and food stores. The residents, especially women and children, scampered to safety. He added that the whereabouts of many residents are still unknown and that up to Thursday some persons were massing in Nassarawa Burkullu community, while some of them sustained serious injuries from gunshots. Locals further said the remains of those killed were being picked for burial. They said a lot of people were afraid to go inside the bushes to recover the bodies of the slain persons. It was learnt that a bandits’ leader known as Shehu Bayade is the spearhead of deadly raids, kidnappings and cattle rustling in communities in Anka, Bukkuyum and Gummi local government areas of the state.