Insecurity: Women Lead Protest in Zamfara Over Bandit Attacks, Demand Change

• Hundreds of women from Jimrawa village in Zamfara State marched peacefully to Gusau, demanding urgent action over worsening insecurity
• The protest follows a wave of deadly bandit attacks that have left dozens dead, villages deserted, and residents in captivity
• Locals say poor road conditions and government inaction are fuelling the crisis, with farming halted and lives shattered across affected communities

Hundreds of protesters, predominantly elderly women and nursing mothers from Jimrawa village in Kaura Namoda Local Government Area of Zamfara State, staged a peaceful demonstration in Gusau, the state capital, demanding urgent government action over escalating insecurity.

The protest, which took place at the Zamfara Government House, followed a similar demonstration two weeks earlier by residents of Gusau LGA.

Those earlier protests were triggered by relentless bandit attacks that reportedly claimed over 100 lives in villages including Mada, Ruwan Bore, Fegin Baza, Lilo, and Bangi.

Jimrawa, one of six wards scheduled for by-elections on August 16 according to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), has been severely affected by the violence.

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Protesters said the deteriorating security situation had rendered normal life impossible, with many residents still in captivity.

Daily Trust reported that the demonstrators demanded immediate intervention from Governor Dauda Lawal, accusing him of failing to fulfil his campaign promises since assuming office in May 2023.

Protesters share harrowing experiences

During the protest, Maimuna Adamu, a resident of Jimrawa, explained the overwhelming female presence: “Some of our husbands are in bandits’ custody.”

Another protester, Auwalu Umar, broke down while recounting his personal tragedy:

“They killed my father, mother, brothers, and sisters. I now live alone with no one to support or even advise me.”

An elderly woman, who declined to be named, added: “We won’t return home until we get assurance of our safety. Politicians only care about our votes, not our lives.”

Bandit attacks continue across Zamfara

The Zamfara State Government confirmed to the BBC that bandits had abducted 150 people in a series of attacks over the past four days. The affected villages include Sabon Garin Damri, Dakko Butsa (bordering Sokoto), Tungar Abdu Dogo, Tungar Sarkin Daji, Sadeda, and Tungar Labi.

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Residents said the bandits often strike at night or during rainfall, exploiting moments when communities are most vulnerable. The poor condition of roads in the state has reportedly hindered security personnel from reaching affected areas swiftly.

Farming halted in Anka LGA amid hostage crisis

In Kadeddaba village, Anka LGA, residents revealed that farming activities had been suspended due to persistent attacks. A local source told Daily Trust that around 50 people were currently being held hostage, including 42 recently abducted from nearby Sabon Gari village.

“My younger brother is among those kidnapped. We initially agreed on N500,000 ransom, but now they are demanding N2 million,” the resident said.

He further lamented the inaction of stationed security forces:

“There are security personnel here, but they don’t engage the bandits, even though they know where they are. People are living in fear.”

Bandits kill retired officer, two others

Legit.ng earlier reported that Armed bandits killed a retired police officer, Ayuba Bako, and two others after attacking two communities in Plateau state.

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The gunmen suspected to be Fulani militant groups attacked Farin-Lamba, Jos South local government area, and Dahot village, Wereng Community, Riyom local government area, on Friday, May 23, 2025.

The President of Berom Youths Moulder-Association, Solomon Mwantiri, said Bako and 27-year-old James Bulus Kwanga were killed in Farin-Lamba while 23-year-old Ishaya Davou Bature, was killed in Dahot village.

Source: Legit.ng