A non-governmental organization, Zamfara Circle Community Initiative, has lamented the escalation of banditry activities in Zamfara state, saying bandits now demand gold as ransom in their new trend in the state.
Addressing newsmen on Wednesday evening in Gusau, Zamfara state, the Chairman of the NGO, Dr Aminu Lawal further lamented that the attacks in Zamfara State have escalated alarmingly.
“We would like to begin by condemning in the strongest terms the wanton destruction of lives and property in some parts of Zamfara State, particularly the recent massacre of 35 innocent lives in Banga ward of Kauran Namoda Local Government Area.”
“About 53 people were kidnapped, including women and children, who were held in captivity far over four months while raising the sum of fifty million naira as ransom, which was collectively raised by the whole community, only for the bandits to release 18 having murdered 35 in cold blood, due to the delay in paying the ransom.
“We send our sincere condolences to the victims’ families. We are also sending our condolences to the people of Waramu in Anka Local government, whose village was completely burnt down and who were turned to internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) overnight and Chediya village in Tsafe Local government over the killings and abductions and destruction that took place recently.
“The attacks in Zamfara State have escalated alarmingly, with a notable increase in frequency and devastation. For example, Fegin Mahe village in Gusau Local government was completely ransacked with over 5000 people displaced. Also, 11 communities in Bukkuyum Local Government with over 50,000 people were displaced.
“In a case of an emerging trend in Zurmi Local government, a levy to be paid in gold, as the Banga incident. Once again, Zamfara was overlooked, almost as if we are not part of Nigeria.
The Zamfara Circle Community Initiative blamed President Bola Tinubu for abandoning the people of Zamfara state despite their tremendous contribution towards his election success.
“The Circle wants to state unequivocally that President Bola Tinubu, by his action or Inaction, has abandoned the good people of Zamfara state despite the contribution the state gave him during the 2023 general elections as one of the only 2 states won by his party in the North-western region with over 298,000 votes” they stated.
“The people of Zamfara are beginning to question whether they have become third class citizens in their own country.
It seems the government has jettisoned one of its most fundamental responsibilities the protection of the lives and property of its citizens.
“As things stand, there are no deployed security personnel in over 80% of the Zamfara hinterland were close to 5 million people reside This development has left the majority of the state’s populace at the mercy of the bandits leading to various communities to either dialogue with the bandits or resolve to defend themselves”. They added.
