Zamfara Communities Protest Insecurity, Seek Government Intervention

Residents from several communities in Ruwan Bore Ward, Gusau Local Government Area of Zamfara State, staged a peaceful protest on Wednesday to decry ongoing attacks by armed bandits.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the demonstrators, who marched to the Government House in Gusau, came from Ruwan Bore, Mada, Wonaka, Fegin-Mahe, Kanawa, and Tudun Wada communities.

During the protest, the residents called on the Zamfara State Government and security agencies to urgently address the worsening security situation and ensure the protection of lives and property in their communities.

Speaking on behalf of the protesters, Aminu Bello from Fegin-Mahe community lamented the total absence of security personnel in the affected areas.

“There are no security operatives in our villages, and this has made it easy for bandits to attack us at will,” Bello said.

“We’re in the middle of the rainy season, yet we can’t go to our farms due to the constant threat of attacks.”

Responding to the protest, Vice Chairman of Gusau Local Government Area, Mr. Aminu Mada, acknowledged the seriousness of the security issues and the need for immediate action. He revealed that he narrowly escaped an attack during a recent visit to the area.

However, Mada criticized the choice to protest at the Government House, suggesting instead that the affected communities relocate temporarily to the nearest Area Development Council, where they could receive emergency shelter and assistance.

“Protesting at the capital, particularly at the Government House, is not a solution to the problem,” he said.

He assured that Governor Dauda Lawal’s administration is making concerted efforts to improve security across the state. He also urged residents to continue cooperating with government and security forces through prayers and by providing useful information.

(NAN)