By Milcah Tanimu

In a devastating onslaught, terrorists, locally known as bandits, have unleashed chaos in Zamfara State, North-West Nigeria. Over 500 individuals have been abducted, and approximately 50 villages have been overrun by the bandits.

Tragically, this wave of violence has resulted in the deaths of five people, including two police officers, as reported by Bello Hassan Shinkafi, a Member of the House of Representatives from Zurmi/Shinkafi Federal Constituency.

Shinkafi painted a grim picture, stating that numerous communities in his constituency have fallen victim to the merciless attacks of the bandits. These criminals operate with impunity, striking indiscriminately day and night, leaving death and destruction in their wake. The traumatized survivors have been forced to flee to safer areas for refuge.

The recent escalation of violence culminated in a brazen attack in broad daylight at Gidan Shaho in the Nassarawa district, where the bandits mercilessly killed five individuals and abducted over 30 others.

Shinkafi emphasized the urgent need for a strategic overhaul to combat the menace of banditry in the Northwest region. He highlighted the glaring inadequacy of manpower and the prolonged deployment of military personnel in Zamfara, stressing the necessity for rotation to prevent the onset of diminishing returns.

While acknowledging the efforts of the Zamfara State Government in negotiating the release of 200 abductees, Shinkafi expressed hope for further success in securing the freedom of additional captives.

Despite attempts to obtain official confirmation from the police, efforts were unsuccessful as both the police spokesperson and the Commissioner of Police could not be reached for comment. This alarming situation underscores the gravity of the security crisis gripping Zamfara State, demanding immediate attention and decisive action to restore peace and safety to the affected communities.