Hundreds of fleeing villagers of the Bini community in the Maru Local Government Area of Zamfara State stormed Government House, Gusau, on Sunday, seeking government’s protection against bandits. 

The villagers, mainly women and children, said they fled their village following the withdrawal of military security agents from the area. 

A male among them, Umar Salisu, confirmed to journalists that they had to flee from the community following the withdrawal of soldiers from the area. 

“Before now, there were military agents attached to our village. Some of them were killed by bandits, while others were withdrawn on Sunday. There are no security agents personnel in our area now. That is why we decided to carry our wives and children to Government House and seek the government’s intervention,’’ Mr Salisu said. 

Another fleeing community member, Aisha Usman, expressed displeasure at the condition of the people in the community. 

“We are highly disturbed. We receive threats of attack from bandits on a daily basis.  There are no security personnel to protect us. We are seeking the government’s intervention,’’ she said. 

Another community member, Wakkala Gurgu, said, “We decided to come to Government House to inform the government about security threats in our community. We want the government to take quick action regarding the security situation. Bandits are currently in our communities. We want the government to help us and deploy security personnel to our area.’’ 

Addressing the gathering on behalf of the state government, Commissioner for Science and Technology, Wadatau Madawaki explained that the bandits were mounting pressure because the government refused to negotiate with them.

“The government of Governor Dauda Lawal maintains its stand that it will not negotiate with bandits. I am happy with the way and manner in which you have conducted yourselves. I urge you to continue being patient.  The government has been making efforts to end lingering security challenges in the state,’’ he said. 

Mr Madawaki added that the government had made arrangements to return the fleeing villagers to their community in the company with security operatives.

(NAN)