Protest Erupts in Zamfara Amid Renewed Bandit Attacks, Residents Demand Immediate Action
In a powerful display of public dissent, hundreds of residents from the Jimrawa village in Kaura Namoda Local Government Area of Zamfara State have taken to the streets to protest against the persistent insecurity wreaking havoc on their communities. The protest, led predominantly by elderly women and nursing mothers, unfolded in the state capital, Gusau, where demonstrators gathered at the Government House to demand urgent action from state authorities.
The unrest was ignited by a string of violent incidents in recent weeks, including a devastating wave of bandit attacks that has left a heavy toll on residents across the region. Two weeks ago, residents of Gusau LGA expressed outrage over what they described as relentless daily attacks by armed bandits, which have resulted in the deaths of over 100 people across various villages such as Mada, Ruwan Bore, Fegin Baza, Lilo, and Bangi.
Zamfara’s Struggle Against Banditry
Kaura Namoda and other local government areas in Zamfara have borne the brunt of recurring bandit violence, which has led to a mounting death toll, widespread abductions, and the destruction of homes, businesses, and livelihoods. Despite the heightened security presence in some areas, banditry continues to thrive, particularly in regions where road conditions hamper the movement of security forces, leaving communities vulnerable to attack.
One protester, Maimuna Adamu, shared her grief, stating that many of her relatives remain in the custody of the bandits. “We voted for Governor Dauda Lawal, but since he took office in May 2023, he has failed to live up to his promises of improving security,” she said, a sentiment echoed by many others in the crowd.
Another resident, Auwalu Umar, could not contain his emotions as he recounted the tragedy that had befallen his family: “They killed my father, mother, brothers, and sisters. I now live alone with no one to support or advise me,” he said tearfully.
In a particularly poignant moment, an elderly woman who participated in the protest stated, “We won’t return home until we get assurance of our safety. Politicians only care about our votes, not our lives.”
Calls for Swift Government Action
The demonstration in Gusau came just days after a surge in abductions by armed bandits across Zamfara. Authorities confirmed that over 150 people were taken from several communities within a four-day period, heightening fears among the populace.
Zamfara State’s spokesperson, Mahmud Mohammed Dantawasa, confirmed these attacks to BBC, underscoring the gravity of the situation. The bandits, operating in heavily armed groups, often strike at night or during rainfall, exploiting moments of vulnerability in affected communities.
In nearby Kadeddaba village, Anka LGA, residents reported the kidnapping of around 50 people by bandits, with ransoms being demanded for their release. A local resident disclosed that, “We initially agreed on a N500,000 ransom, but now they are demanding N2 million.” The situation in these areas has left many without a clear path forward, as farming has been halted, and security forces appear powerless to address the growing menace.
The Plight of Bakura and Sabongarin Damri
The violence has not spared the communities in Bakura LGA, where a recent attack resulted in the deaths of at least six people and the abduction of 45 others, including numerous women and children. The heavily armed bandits, led by notorious leader “Black,” targeted villages that had not paid the levies imposed by the bandits.
Local residents spoke about the betrayal within their communities as some villagers quietly negotiated payments, leaving others vulnerable to the bandits’ wrath. “What happened was that the bandits’ leader, Black, imposed levies on some communities, including Sabongarin Damri, and residents of the affected communities met and resolved that they should not pay,” said one resident. However, some village leaders settled their levies behind the community’s back, resulting in violent retaliation.
A member of the local vigilante group shared their frustration: “We intended to confront the bandits when they came, but we did not receive intelligence on their arrival, and they caught us off guard.”
Farmers Pay for Safety
In the Dan Isa district, Kaura Namoda LGA, bandits have extorted N56 million from farmers to allow them to continue their work during the rainy season. “Each village paid N800,000 before we were allowed to farm,” Malam Hassan Yarima, Ward Head of the area, told Daily Trust. Despite these payments, the bandits have continued to steal livestock, food supplies, and even kidnap women.
“We’ve been forced to comply with their demands, but they keep taking more from us,” Yarima lamented. “We just want to live in peace.”
Sokoto and Katsina Struggles Persist
In Sokoto State, the wave of bandit attacks has reached Dange Shuni and Tureta LGAs, where multiple villages were raided, resulting in the deaths of four people and the abduction of over 30 others. Aminu Boboi, Chairman of Dange Shuni LGA, confirmed the abductions, stating that many displaced residents were being sheltered in local schools.
Similarly, in Katsina, attacks on Bakori and Faskari LGAs have forced thousands from their homes, with many seeking refuge in urban areas. Despite security operations, these areas remain under the constant threat of violence.
A Call for Re-strategization
Security experts are urging both the state and federal governments to re-evaluate their approach to combatting banditry. A security consultant, who wished to remain anonymous, emphasized the need for a new strategy. “The government needs to focus on cutting off the informants who aid the bandits. If we do not address the issue of informants, the bandits will continue to succeed,” he said. He also called for more troops in vulnerable areas and additional training for local vigilante groups.