Hundreds of women from Jimrawa village in Kaura Namoda Local Government Area of Zamfara State have staged a peaceful protest in Gusau, the state capital, demanding urgent action to tackle worsening insecurity. Many of the demonstrators were elderly women and nursing mothers, some of whom said their husbands were being held by armed bandits. The protest comes two weeks after residents of Gusau LGA marched over similar concerns, following a wave of attacks in which over 100 people were reportedly killed in several villages.
Kaura Namoda and other parts of Zamfara have suffered repeated raids by armed groups, leaving dozens dead, many abducted, and villages deserted. Protesters said poor road conditions were hampering the ability of security forces to respond quickly. Jimrawa is one of six wards scheduled to hold by-elections on 16 August, but residents say normal life has been impossible as many people remain in captivity.
Also Read: Reps Seek International Support For War Against Insecurity
In the past week alone, authorities say bandits have abducted more than 150 people in attacks on communities including Sabon Garin Damri, Tungar Abdu Dogo, Sadeda and Tungar Labi. In Bakura LGA, six people were killed and 45 others, mostly women and children, seized after residents refused to pay levies imposed by a notorious bandit leader known as Black. In Anka LGA, about 50 people are being held hostage, while farming activities have been halted due to persistent violence.
Similar attacks have been reported in Sokoto and Katsina states, where armed groups have killed several people and forced thousands to flee their homes. Security experts say the authorities must adopt new strategies, strengthen community vigilance, and cut off information leaks to bandits if the crisis is to be brought under control.
Leave feedback about this
You must be logged in to post a comment.