Tension rose in Gusau, the capital of Zamfara State, on Sunday as people from Bini village in the Maru Local Government Area of the state obstructed the gate of the Gusau Government House.
They were showing their disapproval of security forces being removed from their village despite ongoing attacks by bandits.
The villagers, in large numbers, blocked the main gate of the Government House to get the attention of the state government to their difficult situation.
They promised not to leave the Government House until the government sent security forces to remove the bandits who were currently in their village.
Drivers were stuck around the Government House area as the protesters blocked the main road sitting on the road to prevent any vehicles from moving.
The leader of the demonstrators, named Sani Aliyu, said the bandits were currently in their village, moving around freely because of the presence of security personnel.
He stated that the bandits had almost taken control of the village, expressing concern that “most of the villagers have fled to other places within and outside the state.”
He mentioned, “We informed the authorities about the critical situation we are in, but no action was taken, so we are not leaving.
“We will stay here until the state government sends security personnel to our village to protect us.”
Speaking to the protesters representing the state government, the Commissioner for Education, Wadatau Madawaki, expressed sympathy and praised them for their behavior during the protest.
He argued that the bandits were causing chaos across the state simply to push the state government to make peace with them.
“The bandits have been causing chaos lately to pressure the state government into negotiations.
“Governor Dauda Lawal has made it clear since he took office that he would not reconcile with the bandits, but instead, continue to fight them until they surrender,” Madawaki remarked.
The commissioner also explained that the state government has instructed the military to send their personnel to the village right away.
“On behalf of the state government, I want to express sympathy for the situation you are facing.
“The state government has ordered the military to accompany you back to your village and they will stay there until the situation improves,” the commissioner added.
