Eko Hot Blog reports that tension gripped Gusau, the Zamfara State capital, on Sunday as residents of Bini village in the Maru Local Government Area blockaded the state Government House.
The villagers were protesting the withdrawal of security personnel from their community, leaving them vulnerable to incessant attacks by bandits.
In large numbers, the protesters blocked the main gate of the Government House, adamant that they would not leave until soldiers were deployed to their village. The tense situation brought vehicular movements around the government house to a halt as the protesters occupied major roads, sitting on the ground.
Sani Aliyu, the leader of the protesters, stated that bandits were currently operating freely in their village due to the absence of security personnel. He revealed that military personnel initially sent to combat the bandits had been withdrawn, allowing the criminals to almost take over the entire community.
“Most of the villagers have fled to other places both within and outside the state,” Aliyu said. “We reported to the authorities about the critical situation we are in, but no action was taken. As such, we are not going anywhere. We will continue to be here until the state government mobilizes security personnel to our village to protect us.”
Mallam Umar Salisu, another resident, confirmed to the News Agency of Nigeria that they had to flee the community following the withdrawal of military personnel from the area. “Before now, there were military personnel attached to our village. Some of them were killed by bandits, while some were withdrawn on Sunday. There are no security personnel in our area now. That is why we decided to carry all our wives and children to come to the Government House and seek the government’s intervention,” Salisu said.
Hajia Aisha Usman, a fleeing community member, expressed displeasure at the condition of the people, stating, “We are highly disturbed. We receive threats of attacks from bandits on a daily basis. There are no security personnel to protect us. We are seeking the government’s intervention.”
Zamfara villagers
Malam Wakkala Gurgu, another community member, echoed the calls for swift action from the government. “We decided to come to the Government House to inform the government about security threats in our community. We want the government to take quick action regarding the security situation. Bandits are currently in our communities. We want the government to help us and deploy security personnel to our area,” Gurgu said.
Addressing the protesters on behalf of the state government, the Commissioner for Education, Wadatau Madawaki, sympathized with them and commended their maturity during the demonstration.
He stated that the bandits had been on a rampage to force the state government into dialogue, but Governor Dauda Lawal had made it clear that he would not reconcile with them and would continue to fight until they surrendered.
Madawaki assured the protesters that the state government had directed the military to deploy personnel to the village without further delay. “I want to, on behalf of the state government, sympathize with you on the situation you find yourselves in.
The state government has directed the military to escort you back to your village, and they will remain there until the situation improves,” he said.
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