The Zamfara Circle Community Initiative has raised alarm over what it described as a “catastrophic breakdown of security” across Zamfara State, accusing the Federal Government of “deliberate neglect” in the face of worsening banditry, mass killings, and displacement of thousands.
By Chimezie Godfrey
The Zamfara Circle Community Initiative has raised alarm over what it described as a “catastrophic breakdown of security” across Zamfara State, accusing the Federal Government of “deliberate neglect” in the face of worsening banditry, mass killings, and displacement of thousands.
Speaking at a press conference in Gusau on July 30, 2025, the Chairman of the group, Dr Aminu Lawal, condemned the massacre of 35 residents in Banga ward of Kauran Namoda Local Government, where 53 persons were abducted by bandits and held for over four months. He lamented that despite a collective effort by the community to raise N50 million in ransom, the bandits released only 18 of the captives and executed the rest due to delay in payment.
“The released were severely malnourished and required immediate medical attention, but no support came their way,” Dr Lawal stated. “We send our sincere condolences to the victims’ families.”
Dr Lawal also referenced the burning of Waramu village in Anka LGA and attacks on Chediya village in Tsafe LGA, where killings and abductions occurred without any public reaction or intervention from government authorities.
“The common theme in all these attacks is that there is a very loud silence from the government, both state and federal,” he noted.
Painting a grim picture, the group said over 50,000 residents have been displaced in Bukkuyum LGA alone, with 5,000 others displaced in Gusau’s Fegin Mahe community. In Zurmi LGA, bandits have reportedly imposed gold levies on four communities.
According to Dr Lawal, the Federal Government’s response has been “grossly inadequate,” especially when compared to the swift interventions in crises in Benue, Plateau, and Borno states.
“While other states receive sympathy and action from the presidency, Zamfara remains conspicuously ignored,” he said. “The silence is not just oversight; it emboldens the attackers.”
The group also expressed dismay that the presidency swiftly responded to flooding in Adamawa and a boat mishap in Niger State—both occurring on the same day as the Banga massacre—while Zamfara’s plight received no attention.
“It’s as if we are not part of Nigeria,” Dr Lawal said. “President Bola Tinubu, by his action or inaction, has abandoned the good people of Zamfara State, despite the overwhelming support he received here in 2023.”
Data compiled by the Zamfara Circle Security Appraisal Committee (ZC-SAC) indicated that between January 2024 and July 2025, at least 455 communities were attacked, 3,216 people kidnapped, and over 230 killed. Ransoms paid are estimated in the hundreds of millions.
“Over 80 percent of Zamfara’s hinterland where close to five million people reside has no deployed security presence,” the group stated. “Communities are now left with no option but to negotiate with or fight bandits themselves.”
The Circle commended the efforts of security personnel—military, police, DSS, and vigilantes—working under harsh conditions, but warned that their effectiveness is hampered by the absence of a robust federal security framework.
Dr Lawal also dismissed Governor Dauda Lawal’s claims of “70% success” in combating insecurity as “unfounded,” saying they are not reflective of on-ground realities.