- As bandits allegedly kill 38 villagers after collecting N50m ransom in Zamfara
During a two-day interactive session organised by the Sir Ahmadu Bello Memorial Foundation in Kaduna on Tuesday, Nigeria’s National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, remarked that incidents of Boko Haram attacks, banditry, and communal violence in Nigeria’s northern region have significantly reduced under President Bola Tinubu’s administration, compared to the previous government.
However, reports show that no fewer than 130 security personnel have lost their lives in Katsina State in the past two years, amid relentless banditry attacks, the state government has confirmed.
The fatalities include over 100 members of the Katsina Community Watch Corps and more than 30 police officers, with an unspecified number of soldiers also killed in the fight against armed groups.
Meanwhile, Troops of the Nigerian Army and hybrid forces, backed by intelligence support from the Department of State Services, DSS, on Friday evening in Iburu village, Shiroro Local Government Area, LGA, of Niger State, killed no less than 45 bandits terrorizing the area.
Katsina State government further revealed that frequent attacks still persist in four local government areas, including Faskari, Kankara, Safana, and Matazu, despite ongoing efforts to curb the violence.
State Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Dr. Nasiru Mua’zu, who disclosed this in the state on Monday, urged residents to remain calm and united, stressing the importance of relying on factual information, rather than succumbing to fear and misinformation circulating on social media platforms.
He noted that the state government had achieved significant progress in the fight against banditry since Governor Dikko Radda assumed office in 2023.
The commissioner said 24 local government areas were affected by insecurity at a point in time, adding that 11 of the LGAs were now “fully stabilized” and largely free from attacks.
These, he said, include Jibia, Batsari, Danmusa, Katsina, Batagarawa, Charanchi, Bindawa, Ingawa, Kafur, Danja, and Kusada.
Mua’zu further disclosed that there were nine other “improved councils with few remote pockets of insecurity.”
According to him, these include Malumfashi, Kurfi, Dutsinma, Kankia, Musawa, Bakori, Funtua, Sabuwa, and Dandume.
He expressed concern over “deliberate attempts by some individuals to create panic and incite fear among residents through the spread of false and misleading information on social media.”
Muazu reiterated Governor Radda’s unwavering commitment to restoring peace, emphasising that even during his recent accident and recovery, he remained actively engaged with security stakeholders.
Days ago, bandits reportedly killed 38 of 50 people abducted months ago when armed bandits stormed the community in Kaura Namoda town and Banga village in the Kaura Namoda Local Government Area of Zamfara State despite the payment of N50 million ransom.
According to some of the survivors, the village had raised and paid N50 million, but only 18 of the captives were returned.
The rest were reportedly slaughtered by their abductors in cold blood, one after the other, during their captivity.
In a statement issued in Gusau on Monday, the Zamfara Good Governance Forum (ZGGF), through its President, Alhaji Sani Mohammed, described the situation as the latest example of the shameful collapse of governance and leadership under Governor Lawal. The group said Lawal’s approach to security is marked by inconsistency, political gamesmanship, and a complete lack of strategy.
“What happened in Banga village is a national tragedy. Thirty-five innocent citizens were slaughtered like animals — even after a ransom of N50 million was paid. And yet, the governor who swore an oath to protect lives and property is busy playing hide and seek with the same terrorists,” the statement read.
The group lambasted Lawal for what it described as a dangerous pattern of double-speak, noting that while the governor publicly denounces amnesty for bandits, he is often seen meeting with their leaders either in the government house or in undisclosed locations in the bush.
“This governor cannot be trusted. One day, he says amnesty is wrong, the next day he welcomes bandit commanders like honoured guests. Is he in charge of the state or working for the same people who are turning Zamfara into a killing field?” Mohammed asked.
The group further argued that Lawal, who heavily criticised the security failures of his predecessor, Bello Matawalle, has not only failed to do better but has shown signs of confusion and desperation, with no coherent policy to stem the bloodshed.
“Before his election, Dauda Lawal positioned himself as the messiah Zamfara needed. He spoke like a man who understood the scale of the crisis. But today, it is obvious he had no plan — only ambition,” the Forum declared.
According to the ZGGF, under Lawal’s leadership, rural communities like Banga have been left at the mercy of bloodthirsty criminals who now exert full control over territories, force villagers to pay taxes, kidnap at will, and punish those who resist their rule.
“Banga is now ruled by terrorists. Neighbouring villages are deserted. Women are being raped, men are being killed or abducted. What is this governor doing apart from press conferences and photo ops?” the group asked.
The Forum insisted that if Governor Lawal has any respect left for the people of Zamfara, he should vacate office and allow a more competent, courageous hand to take over the task of restoring peace and sanity to the state.
“This is no longer about politics. It is about life and death. He has failed. He knows it. Everyone knows it. His continued stay in office is a mockery of the pain and bloodshed we have endured. He should resign with what’s left of his dignity,” Mohammed said.
The group also urged President Bola Tinubu to declare a special security operation in Zamfara, deploy more troops, and treat the situation as a national emergency, warning that the country cannot afford to ignore the scale of terror in the state.
“Zamfara is bleeding. The President must act. But before that, the governor must go,” the group stressed.
How can Nigeria be considered safer when over 130 security agents have died in Katsina alone and 38 villagers were killed in Zamfara even after paying ransom? The facts on the ground speak louder than assurances.