Bandits sack 10 Zamfara villages, residents flee

Armed bandits have forced residents of 10 villages in Mada and Wonaka districts of Gusau local government areas of Zamfara state to flee their communities to the Neighbouring safer places and Gusau the state capital following the deadly and unending attacks on them. This is the latest in the series of deadly raids on the […]

Armed bandits have forced residents of 10 villages in Mada and Wonaka districts of Gusau local government areas of Zamfara state to flee their communities to the Neighbouring safer places and Gusau the state capital following the deadly and unending attacks on them.

This is the latest in the series of deadly raids on the farming and herding communities of the state by the bandits and cattle rustlers believed to be hiding in the forests near the borders with Kaduna, Katsina and Zamfara states.

Last April, more than 150 persons were killed in Yar’ galadima village in Maru local government area when dozens of unidentified gunmen laid siege and started firing at the vigilantes that were holding a meeting to brainstorm on how to end the wave of attacks on their communities.

According to a resident Mallam Tasi’u Kanawa, residents of fegin kanawa, fegin Mahe, Wonaka, Tambalawa ,Majiro ,kofa,Fura girke,kundamau ,Koshiya ,Ingwai and many other villages have since abandoned their communities following the deadly and unending attacks on them by the armed bandits.

“I have two wives and four children and I’m here with them taking shelter in this primary school without food because we have abandoned all our belongings at home that is why  we are appealing to the state government to come to our rescue because these attackers are bent on eliminating us all.” He added.

Another refugee Zainab Lawali at a primary school in Damba community told Daily Trust that many women were raped by the bandits and some were taken to hospitals and some have even died and she alleged insider conspiracy in the whole menace saying that some residents feed the bandits with information on young and beautiful ladies and or women in their communities.

The terrorized residents are now taking refuge in Mada,kwatarkwashi,Gusau and even the neighbouring states and other neighbouring communities following the incessant attacks on them by the bandits and suspected cattle rustlers hiding in the notorious Dajin Gwamna forests that extends along Katsina -Zamfara border.

The Special adviser to the governor on media and communication Alhaji Sani Abdullahi Tsafe said the affected residents have fled their communities and are now taking shelter in Gusau and Tsafe local government areas and Wonaka and Mada districts of Gusau local government are badly affected.

“Its unfortunate, these bandits are still attacking our villages killing residents and dispossessing them of their belongings  and the state government is doing its best to restore law and order in those communities and the governor Abdulaziz Yari has set up committee to find ways of assisting the victims. The displaced residents will be provided with food and and medicines.” He added.

When contacted the Public Relations Officer of the state police command DSP lawal Abdullahi said he was yet to get the details promising to get back with the details later but did not respond to the several calls put to him.