At least seven people were killed and several others injured after armed bandits attacked a remote village in Zambia’s Western Province, setting homes ablaze in a violent overnight raid that has shocked local communities and prompted a major police investigation.

According to Western Province Police Commissioner Rae Haamonga, the attack occurred during the early hours of Saturday when a group of unidentified assailants armed with offensive weapons stormed the village and launched a coordinated assault on residents.

The attackers reportedly set fire to at least five houses, reducing them and their contents to ashes. The blaze spread rapidly through the settlement, trapping some residents inside their homes.

"Seven people tragically lost their lives during the attack," Haamonga said in a statement. Preliminary findings indicate that six victims died in the fires that engulfed the houses, while an infant was allegedly killed during the assault in a separate act of violence.

In addition to the fatalities, four people survived the attack but sustained injuries. One victim suffered serious head wounds, while three others were treated for burns sustained while attempting to escape the flames.

Police have launched a large-scale operation to identify and apprehend those responsible. Investigators and forensic teams have been deployed to the affected area to collect evidence, interview witnesses, and establish the motive behind the attack.

Authorities have increased patrols in surrounding communities amid concerns that the perpetrators may still be operating in the region. Security personnel are also working with local leaders to reassure residents and prevent further incidents.

No arrests had been announced as of Sunday, and police have appealed to members of the public to provide any information that could assist the investigation.

The attack has left the affected village devastated, with several families displaced after losing their homes and belongings in the fire. Local officials and humanitarian organizations have begun assessing the needs of survivors, including emergency shelter, food assistance, and medical support.

Community leaders have condemned the violence and called for swift justice for the victims, while residents expressed fears about security in remote rural areas where police presence is often limited.

The incident has renewed concerns about security challenges in isolated parts of Zambia, where communities can be vulnerable to criminal attacks due to their distance from major urban centers and law enforcement facilities.

Authorities have pledged to pursue those responsible and ensure that the perpetrators are brought to justice.

The investigation remains ongoing as police continue their search for the armed group behind one of the deadliest attacks reported in the province in recent years. (ILKHA)