By Ade Oyeyemi
Angry youths in Gwashi community, Bukkuyum Local Government Area of Zamfara State, on Sunday reportedly chased away the state Deputy Governor, Mani Malam Mummuni, during a visit to sympathise with residents over repeated bandit attacks.
The deputy governor had visited the community to commiserate with victims of the attacks and offer support to affected families. However, the visit descended into chaos as frustrated youths confronted him and members of his entourage over the persistent insecurity plaguing their communities.
A video circulating online showed tensions escalating during the confrontation, with security operatives attached to the deputy governor reportedly fleeing the scene and abandoning their vehicle.
Gwashi and neighbouring communities in Bukkuyum Local Government Area have suffered repeated attacks by armed bandits, leaving residents exposed to serious security threats, particularly while travelling between villages and accessing local markets.
The incident occurred days after gunmen reportedly killed about 20 people in an ambush on traders travelling under military escort in the state.
The traders were said to have been travelling from Gwashi to Nasarawa Market in Bukkuyum Local Government Area on Saturday, October 10, when the attackers struck at about 2pm.
Reports indicated that four soldiers, three policemen, an officer of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps and 12 civilians were killed in the attack, while 19 other people sustained injuries.
In a separate incident about a month earlier, six Islamic clerics were reportedly abducted by armed bandits along the Dakko-Damri feeder road in Bakura Local Government Area while travelling to Talata Mafara.
The state Police Public Relations Officer, Yazid Abubakar, confirmed the abduction, stating that the victims, all imams, were intercepted by suspected bandits.
The latest confrontation highlights growing frustration among residents over persistent attacks and the security challenges confronting communities across Zamfara State.
