Fleeing villagers seek refuge at Zamfara government house amid bandit threats
In a desperate bid for safety, hundreds of villagers from Bini community in Maru Local Government Area of Zamfara State sought refuge at the Government House in Gusau on Sunday. Mainly comprised of women and children, they fled their village following the withdrawal of military security personnel from the area.
Malam Umar Salisu, one of the villagers, confirmed that the withdrawal of military personnel left them vulnerable to bandit attacks, prompting their decision to seek help from the government. Expressing their distress, Hajia Aisha Usman emphasized the constant threats of attacks from bandits and the absence of security personnel to protect them.
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Malam Wakkala Gurgu echoed their concerns, urging the government to deploy security forces to their area to address the escalating security threats. In response, Commissioner for Science and Technology, Alhaji Wadatau Madawaki, assured the villagers that the government remains steadfast in its refusal to negotiate with bandits. He commended their peaceful approach and pledged government efforts to address the security challenges.
Madawaki disclosed that arrangements were underway to return the fleeing villagers to their community under the protection of security operatives. “The villagers’ plight underscores the urgent need for robust security measures to safeguard communities and restore peace in Zamfara State”.
