Zamfara Communities Displaced Amid Fears of Bandit Reprisals

Residents of communities in the western part of Tsafe Local Government Area in Zamfara State, numbering around 2,000, have abandoned their homes. Their departure is driven by fears of possible reprisal attacks from bandits.

One displaced resident, Muhammad Murtala, stated that the villagers felt compelled to flee their ancestral homes in search of safety. He explained that security personnel who had been stationed in their villages departed just two days after achieving success against the bandits, leaving the communities vulnerable.

"Now we are afraid that the bandits may return," he added.

Villagers from Kunchin Kalgo and surrounding settlements were observed packing their belongings and making their way towards the Local Government Headquarters for refuge.

Honourable Garba Panchase, the Chairman of Tsafe Local Government, confirmed the influx of displaced villagers to the Local Government Headquarters. He attributed the mass exodus to rumours spread by individuals with malicious intent towards the government.

However, he clarified that while the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) had withdrawn in preparation for redeployment and rotation, conventional security forces, supported by three heavy security machines, remained present in the area.

The fleeing villagers, however, have alleged that both the JTF and other security forces had withdrawn from the area as bandits were reportedly regrouping for a counter-attack.