Terrorist Attacks Escalate in Western Zamfara, Claiming Dozens of Lives

Western Zamfara is currently facing an intensified wave of terrorist assaults, resulting in approximately 33 deaths and more than 200 individuals being taken captive throughout April. This area, comprising seven local government areas, is situated alongside Niger, Sokoto, and Kebbi states, all of which have also seen a resurgence in bandit attacks.

The affected districts include Talata Mafara, Anka, Bakura, Maradun, Bukkuyum, and Gummi. An examination of recent incidents reveals that two primary routes connecting this zone to central Zamfara and neighbouring states are particularly vulnerable to banditry. The Mayanchi – Anka – Gurusu – Gummi and Mayanchi – Talata Mafara roads have become sites of frequent kidnappings.

The most recent attack that deeply affected the state occurred in Bunkasau, where at least 20 residents were killed and over 40 sustained injuries on a Friday. Earlier, on April 3rd, 150 residents from Kurfar Danya in Bukkuyum were abducted. On the same day, bandits obstructed the Anka – Gurusu highway, leading to the kidnapping of two motorists.

The following day, seven internally displaced persons lost their lives, and 11 were abducted in the Bukkuyum area. On April 5th, terrorists deployed an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) on the Gadar Manya – Makarkari road in the Anka district. The device detonated when a military vehicle struck it, although fortunately, no casualties were reported. Later that same day, around 2 p.m., terrorists attacked a mining site near Abare, killing four miners and seizing their gold.

On April 6th, a driver was shot and wounded by bandits on the Anka – Gurusu road. The violence continued on April 11th, when two communities, Yar Galma and Dogon Daji, also in the Bukkuyum area, were targeted. Two individuals were killed and four others injured in Yar Galma. Additionally, several passengers were abducted from an 18-seater bus on the Janbako – Faru road in the Maradun area on April 12th. In Nannarki village, also in Bukkuyum, one man was killed, and seven people were abducted.

According to Abubakar Musa, a resident of Anka who has observed the conflict for over a decade, the terrorists' continued attacks along the Anka – Bukkuyum – Gummi route are facilitated by a perceived government neglect. He stated, “The bandits control more territory here than the government. There is no government presence in these areas, and the bandits are exploiting this. The surge in violence began during Ramadan and has persisted.”

Adding to this perspective, Aminu Abubakar, a humanitarian worker in the zone, noted that the death of Halilu Sububu has removed a central figure, making it difficult for local communities to negotiate. "The bandits in this axis now lack central command with the killing of Halilu Sububu, as if there was a leader, local communities might have someone to strike a deal with," he commented.

Mr. Abubakar concurred on the limited government presence, observing, “From Mayanchi junction up to Gurusu via Anka, the road is essentially ungoverned with no security checkpoints. While there are vigilante members on the road near Tashar Kaiwa, it is far from sufficient.”

In response to the escalating violence, Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal has pledged to continue protecting the lives and properties of the populace. In a statement released by his spokesperson, Sulaiman Bala – Idris, Governor Lawal conveyed his sorrow over the recent attacks in the Bukkuyum area. "He reassures the people of Zamfara State of the government's unwavering determination to intensify efforts to safeguard lives and restore peace across all communities," the statement affirmed.

Zamfara State Commissioner of Police, Ahmad Muhammad – Bello, has stated that the police command is committed to restoring peace within the state. Through a statement issued by the police spokesperson, Yazid Abubakar, Mr. Bello emphasized his dedication to community-oriented policing, asserting that his leadership is founded on service to the people. He urged residents to provide timely and reliable information to the police to aid in combating security challenges.