Following the evacuation of Zamfara troops s from Lilo village in the Mada area of Gusau Local Government Area, panic has spread throughout parts of the State, driving around 30 nearby villages to flee their homes in search of safety.
According to a local, the large-scale migration started when the Zamfara troops who had been stationed there for more than seven years were abruptly removed late at night, leaving towns open to fresh bandit attacks.
ENigeria Newspaper learnt that former Zamfara State Governor Bello Matawalle, shortly after taking office, sent the army to the community for the first time in June 2019.
While sepaking to journalists, one of the fleeing residents said they could not take the risk of staying back as he recounted that six soldiers were killed in an ambush that occurred during the previous rainy season because bad road conditions prevented reinforcements from arriving in time.
“We fled because we are afraid of imminent attacks by bandits. The troops have been our only protection,” he said.
He affirmed that while there had been a friendly relationship between the locals and the Zamfara troops, with the latter receiving daily assistance from the former, the area had been relatively peaceful due to the cooperation between locals and security personnel.
“We supported them with food, firewood, water, and even farmland. We cultivated and harvested crops for them. During festive periods, we contributed to provide animals for celebrations.
“One of the security officers told me they were pulled out due to fears of ambush, especially as the rainy season begins. The river around the village makes access difficult, and reinforcement is nearly impossible.
“We are surrounded by bandit camps. Some are less than three kilometres from this village, and some even occupy our farmlands. If the bandits attack, they will burn people alive and destroy the entire village. That is why we have no choice but to leave,” he said.
He also disclosed that the fleeing villagers were traveling toward Gusau, the state capital though authorities want to redirect them to nearby Keita or Kwatarkwashi.
He confirmed that that the Zamfara troops were evacuated using a Toyota Hilux and two Armoured Personnel Carriers (APCs) at approximately 10 p.m.
Insecurity in Zamfara
Banditry and kidnapping for ransom are the main causes of the continued insecurity in Zamfara State, which seriously impairs access to healthcare, local economy, and agriculture. Residents continue to suffer despite claims of hefty ransom payments, despite state authorities claiming increased security through Community Protection Guards and military cooperation.
Four previous governors and their deputies have taken notice of the widespread insecurity in Zamfara State, leading to a meeting behind closed doors to find a long-term solution.
Bello Mohammed Matawale, the state’s most recent governor and Minister of State for Defense, pledged to send troops to save the state.
