The bandits ravaging Northwest states have killed five soldiers and 10 community members in Lilo and other villages in Gusau Local Government Area of Zamfara State.

This was revealed by the leaders of the axis who came to the press centre Zamfara State Council of NUJ, in Gusau, the State capital on Wednesday.

They lamented that the death of five soldiers occurred while fighting bandits to secure lives and properties in the in the axis, saying that the military has been protecting the villages from bandit attacks.

The spokesperson to the Lilo village and its communities, Mohammed Mohammed, disclosed that about 10 villagers were also killed by the armed bandits during an encounter on Monday in the communities.

"The incident occurred along Lilo-Gulubba road in Gusau Local Government Area of the State. As the military troops were escorting traders to Gusau market, a large number of bandits ambushed the convoy", he lamented.

One of the leaders who narrowly escaped said, the attackers, who had laid in wait by the roadside, suddenly emerged from hiding and opened fire on the convoy.

"Many of our passengers fled into the bush including me where I laid down, pretended as a dead person while the soldiers immediately retaliated, engaging the bandits in heavy gun battle, which helped me to escape."

The eyewitness said five soldiers were killed in the gun dwell, alongside scores of bandits and about 10 villagers.

"We were going to Gusau with military escorts when suddenly the bandits came out of hiding and attacked us. The soldiers fought back bravely.

"Many of the bandits were killed, but sadly five soldiers also lost their lives. Some passengers were seriously injured, but many of us managed to escape unhurt. When the bandits realised they were losing the fight, they retreated back to their hideouts," he said.

Meanwhile, the Lilo village and its surrounding communities have appealed to local government, state and federal government to come to their aid in the area of education, health and construction of roads to ease part of their difficulties and provide adequate security to the entire communities.

When contacted, the Army's Media Information Officer, Captain David Adewusi, said he was not aware of the incident but promised to get back.