Nigeria, Oct. 7 -- The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) in Zamfara State has criticised Governor Dauda Lawal for travelling to Ethiopia after a deadly attack in Bindin, Maru Local Government Area.

Reports said 12 soldiers and five artisanal miners were killed, but the military has not confirmed the casualty figures.

The violence reportedly began on Monday, although accounts differ on whether the attack on the military position occurred that day or on Tuesday.

In a statement signed by its Publicity Secretary, Murtala Gusau, the NDC accused Mr Lawal of abandoning the state while residents of the affected community mourned the dead.

The governor left Nigeria on Tuesday as part of a federal government delegation led by Vice President Kas...