Bello Hassan, a member of the House of Representatives representing Zurmi/Shinkafi Federal Constituency, reported on Tuesday that bandits have attacked at least 50 communities in the Zurmi Local Government Area of Zamfara State. In an interview in Abuja, Hassan stated that the relentless attacks have forced residents to abandon their homes.
Hassan recounted a recent attack on the Gidan Shaho community last Monday, where bandits invaded in large numbers. “Not less than 50 villages have been attacked, displacing the residents. Whenever the military attacks the gunmen, they retaliate by attacking the villagers. It is a dire situation that requires urgent action to protect lives in Zamfara,” he said.
He criticized the security forces, alleging that despite being aware of the bandits' activities, they failed to act effectively. "Last Monday, the bandits were meeting, and the vigilantes, police, and military were aware. When the military moved to confront them, the bandits ambushed and attacked the village, killing two vigilantes and two policemen," Hassan explained.
Displaced residents are now seeking refuge in schools, disrupting education as students are afraid to attend. Hassan called for better support and oversight for the military and other security agencies, questioning if they receive their allocated allowances. He urged the Federal Government to mobilize resources and intervene.
In response, Yazid Abubakar, the state Police Public Relations Officer, acknowledged the situation, stating, “A team has been set and the operation is ongoing.”
However, Defence Headquarters denied the allegations against the military. Edward Buba, a major general and Director of Defence Media Operations, stated in a telephone interview, “The ongoing counter-terrorism operations have prevented terrorists from achieving their objectives. Operations are ongoing in Tsafe LGA of Katsina State and surrounding communities.”
Last week, at least 49 people were reportedly killed by bandits during a five-day attack in Zamfara's Anka Local Government Area. Residents reported that 18 were killed in Farar-Kasa village, 22 in Dangulbi, two in Duhuwa, four in Tsatsomawa, and three in Yar Sabaya.
An anonymous resident from Anka town confirmed the ongoing attacks, noting that bandit activities have persisted since the beginning of the previous week.
