The Zamfara Circle Community Initiative has expressed alarm over the worsening insecurity in Zamfara State, describing the region as the epicenter of Nigeria's banditry crisis.
At a press conference in Gusau, the group's chairman, Dr. Aminu Lawal, lamented the deteriorating security situation, accusing the Federal Government of abandoning Zamfara to armed bandits.
The group highlighted attacks on various communities, including Waramu in Anka LGA, which was completely razed, and the destruction of Chediya in Tsafe. Additionally, over 5,000 people were displaced from Fegin Mahe in Gusau, while more than 50,000 residents fled 11 communities in Bukkuyum LGA due to continued violence.
Zamfara Circle expressed concern over reports that bandits had begun imposing gold levies on communities in Zurmi LGA, describing it as a troubling sign of territorial dominance and weakening state control.
The group accused the Federal Government of selective intervention, noting that incidents in other states had received swifter federal responses. Dr. Lawal stressed that despite delivering over 298,000 votes for President Bola Tinubu in the last elections, Zamfara was being neglected.
"There's no presence of security in over 80% of Zamfara's hinterlands. Our people are left to either negotiate with bandits or take up arms to defend themselves," Dr. Lawal said.
