Insecurity: Zamfara Villagers Now Sleep in Bushes at Night, Return Home by Day

Residents of several communities in Zamfara State are abandoning their homes at night and returning only during the day, following a fresh wave of attacks by suspected bandits across the state. In the latest incidents between Thursday and Saturday, at least four people were killed and 26 abducted in coordinated assaults in Kauran Namoda Local Government Area.

Sabon Gari village was hit hardest, with eyewitnesses reporting the killing of a woman and the kidnapping of around 20 people. Another local source said the true toll could be higher, confirming four deaths and 26 abductions, including a man, his two wives, and their three children. The attacks reportedly occurred in the early hours of Saturday, between 1:00 a.m. and 2:30 a.m., despite the presence of security personnel in Kaura Namoda town.

Residents allege the attacks were carried out by loyalists of notorious bandit leader Bello Kaura, also known as Dan Sade. He is believed to be behind numerous atrocities across Kaura Namoda, Bungudu, and Maradun LGAs. A source claimed Dan Sade has established a base near Bakalori Camp, close to Sabon Gari, and maintains deep local ties, including building a mosque and shops in nearby villages. Locals express frustration over what they describe as the military’s inaction and fear Dan Sade may be planning to overrun Kaura Namoda, Zamfara’s second-largest town.

Neighbouring areas such as Unguwan Sarkin Musulmi, Unguwan Rogo, and Yamitsawa have reportedly been deserted. “People now flee their homes every evening,” a resident said. “We’re pleading with authorities to establish a permanent military base in Kungurki to deter further attacks.”

In a separate attack on Thursday, four people were killed and one person abducted in Kungurki village. The following day, the bandits demanded a ransom of N3 million but refused to allow communication with the hostage, raising concerns over his fate.

Violence continued on Friday, when the Secretary of Birnin Magaji LGA was shot along the Kaura-Gusau road. His elder brother and another individual were kidnapped in the same attack. Two commercial drivers were later killed along the same route, with an unknown number of passengers taken.

Zamfara Police spokesperson DSP Yazid Abubakar said he could not confirm the incidents as he was attending a seminar in Akwa Ibom, but promised to follow up with the command headquarters.

Communities currently under threat in Kauran Namoda include Dayau, Daba, Madira, Yankaba, Kagara, Sabon Gari, Banga, Kurya, Kasuwar Daji, Kungurki, Gidan Tanko, Unguwar Rogo, Gidan Sambo, Walo, Babbar-Saura, Bakin Dam, Katsauta, Gabake, Barkeji, Maguru, and Magizawa. “Life here has become unbearable,” a local said. “We desperately need help.”

In response, Governor Dauda Lawal reiterated his administration’s commitment to ending banditry, donating 140 operational vehicles to security agencies and launching Community Protection Guards to work alongside conventional forces. “We will deploy every available resource to restore peace and protect lives,” he said, adding a tribute to fallen security personnel: “Their bravery will not be forgotten.”

Meanwhile, four people were killed in a separate attack in Bagana community, Omala LGA of Kogi State. The victims, including a woman and three young men, were ambushed Saturday night while heading to a market in Oweto, Benue State. Though the area had enjoyed relative peace following the establishment of an army surveillance post, this latest attack has reignited tensions. The Kogi State government and police have yet to issue official statements on the development.