OUTRAGE and sorrow spilled into the streets of Zamfara State’s capital on Thursday as hundreds of women, mostly elderly and nursing mothers staged a peaceful protest over the unrelenting wave of deadly bandit attacks plaguing their communities.
News Point Nigeria reports that the demonstrators, hailing from Jimrawa village in Kaura Namoda Local Government Area, marched to the Government House in Gusau, demanding urgent intervention to halt the incessant killings, abductions, and displacement ravaging the area.
This protest follows a similar demonstration two weeks ago by residents of Gusau LGA, who said over 100 lives had been lost across Mada, Ruwan Bore, Fegin Baza, Lilo, Bangi and other communities.
“We are tired. Our husbands are in captivity, our children are starving. We won’t return home until we get a clear assurance of safety,” said Maimuna Adamu, one of the protesters.
Another protester, Auwalu Umar, wept openly as he narrated how he lost his entire family to bandit attacks. “They killed my father, mother, brothers, and sisters. I live alone now with no support, no hope,” he said.
Some elderly women accused politicians of abandoning the people after elections. “We voted for Governor Dauda Lawal with the hope that security would improve. But nothing has changed,” one unnamed protester lamented.
Jimrawa is among six wards scheduled for by-elections on August 16, according to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). But residents say persistent insecurity may disrupt the process, as many voters are either in captivity or displaced.
“Our villages are deserted. We live in fear, and no one knows who’ll be next,” one resident said.
According to multiple residents, bandit attacks have intensified across Zamfara in recent days, with communities such as Sabon Garin Damri, Dakko Butsa, Tungar Abdu Dogo, Tungar Sarkin Daji, Sadeda, and Tungar Labi under siege.
“They strike at night or during rainfall when everyone is asleep. We can’t even farm anymore,” a resident from Anka LGA said.
In Kadeddaba village, 50 people were reported to be in captivity, including 42 recently abducted in Sabon Gari. Villagers say security forces stationed nearby rarely engage, despite knowing the location of the bandits.
At least six people were killed and 45 others abducted, mostly women and children — during a coordinated bandit attack across five communities in Bakura LGA, including Sabongarin Damri, Sade, Tungar Tsalle, Tungar Musa Dogo, and Tungar Sodangi.
According to locals, the attacks came after the communities refused to pay ‘levies’ imposed by the bandits.
“There was a meeting, and we agreed we wouldn’t pay. But some communities went behind and paid. When the deadline expired, the bandits invaded the villages that refused,” one resident said.
While some abducted victims managed to escape, many remain in captivity. Local vigilantes reportedly recovered rustled cows after a firefight during the bandits’ retreat.
Residents attributed the coordinated attacks to a notorious bandit leader known as ‘Black’, who reportedly runs a camp in Sobubu forest, which connects Bakura to parts of Sokoto and Kebbi States.
Described as ruthless and well-armed, Black is believed to be behind the recent escalation of violence in Zamfara and nearby regions.
Zamfara State Government spokesperson Mahmud Mohammed Dantawasa confirmed the attacks to the BBC and said efforts were ongoing to address the crisis.
However, many residents remain unconvinced. “We see no action. Bandits are the ones in charge, not the government,” a displaced farmer said.
With over 150 abductions in four days, farms abandoned, and trust in government at an all-time low, Zamfara’s insecurity crisis deepens.
The demonstrators said they would not leave until they receive a clear response from the authorities, one that goes beyond promises and brings actual safety to their homes.
“We didn’t come here to fight. We came here because we have nothing left, no safety, no husbands, no children,” said an elderly woman, cradling a baby in her arms. “We are begging. Help us.”