Hundreds of aggrieved residents of Zamfara State on Wednesday took to the streets of Gusau, the state capital, in a mass protest against the relentless killings and attacks by bandits in Gusau Local Government Area and surrounding communities.
The demonstrators—comprising men, women, and youths—blocked major roads leading into the capital city for more than two hours, chanting sorrowful songs and carrying placards that called for urgent government intervention.
Some of the placards bore messages such as: “We the people of about 30 communities of Gusau need peace,” and “End banditry in Mada, Lilo, Ruwan Bore, Fegin Baza, Bangi, others.”
The protest, which brought parts of the city to a standstill, highlighted the growing insecurity in villages including Mada, Wonaka, Fegin Mahe, Lilo, Bangi, and Ruwan Bore—areas residents say have become uninhabitable due to daily attacks by armed men.
“We are tired of crying,” said Abubakar Abdullahi, a farmer from Fegin Mahe. He said several members of his family had been killed while bandits looted his shop, carting away 500 bags of fertilizer valued at over ₦1 million.
Protesters lamented that farmlands have been abandoned as residents fear further attacks during the current farming season. Many also accused the government of neglecting affected communities, saying no official had visited to console or assist them in recent months.
“Our communities are in danger,” Abdullahi added. “Bandits are killing us, burning our homes, and stealing everything we have. We live in fear and hunger.”
Despite the tense mood, the protest remained peaceful, with demonstrators vowing not to return to their villages unless concrete action is taken.
In response, the Chairman of Gusau Local Government Council, Hon. Abubakar Iman—represented by Aminu Wakili Mada—acknowledged the residents’ concerns, assuring that the government is working with security agencies to restore order in the affected areas.
“We are aware of the suffering of our people,” he said. “Security operatives will soon be deployed to restore peace, and further engagement with communities is ongoing.”
Zamfara remains one of the worst-hit states in Nigeria’s North-West region, where criminal gangs continue to carry out mass abductions, killings, and looting despite ongoing security operations.
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