From John Bassey, Gusau
A group in Zamfara State has accused the federal government of neglecting the people of the state amid worsening insecurity.
The group, Zamfara Circle Initiative, bemoaned what it described as “loud Silence” from both the federal government and the state government to the plights of the people of the state whom it claimed were been perpetually kidnapped, killed, extorted and exploited for ransoms and illegally imposed levies by bandits.
The leader of the group, Dr. Aminu Lawal made this known while briefing newsmen at the group’s office in Gusau.
Lawal, who condemned the series of banditry attacks on the state with the attendant loss of lives and wanton destruction of property, said in one of the attacks, 35 of 53 kidnapped victims were massacred while their relations were sourcing for N50 million ransom demanded by their captors.
According to him, “We condemn in strongest terms the wanton destruction of lives and property in some parts of Zamfara State, particularly the recent massacre of 35 innocent lives in Banga ward of Kauran Namoda Local Government Area, where about 53 people were kidnapped, including women and children, and were held in captivity for over four months while the community was made to raise the sum of N50 million. The bandits later released only 18 of them, having murdered the other 35 ostensibly due to the delay experienced in raising and paying the ransom.
“Those released were severely malnourished and required immediate medical attention but no support came their way. We extend our sincere condolences to the victims’ families as well as to the people of Waramu in Anka Local Government Area whose villages were completely burnt down and were turned to Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) overnight. Similarly, we express our sincere condolences to the people of Chediya village in Tsafe Local Government over the killings, abductions and destruction that took place in the village recently,” Lawal stated.
The group regretted that there was “a very loud silence” from both the government of the state and the federal government, alleging that the development signifies a disturbing trend of neglect by the government.
“The attacks in Zamfara State have escalated alarmingly in frequency and devastation. For example, Fegin Mahe village in Gusau Local government was completely ransacked with over 5000 people displaced. Also, 11 communities in Bukkuyum Local Government suffered a similar fate with over 50,000 people displaced.
“In a case of an emerging trend in Zurmi Local Government, bandits have imposed levies to be paid in gold on four communities. Unfortunately, the federal government’s response has been grossly inadequate, characterized by a lack of genuine commitment and consistent effort to address this crisis. This inaction by the government shows that the people of Zamfara State have been abandoned completely,” he declared.
The group expressed its displeasure in what it considered as disparity in government’s responses to similar crises in other states. “While states like Benue, Plateau, and Borno have received prompt attention and support from the presidency, Zamfara State has been conspicuously ignored. The absence of meaningful support from the Federal Government underscores the vulnerability of citizens of Zamfara State. It raises serious questions about the government’s priorities and commitment to protecting its citizens.”
The group called on the federal government to show the same commitment it has demonstrated in tackling security challenges in other parts of the country in Zamafara State
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