Toyyibat Qasim
Angry youths in Gwashi community, Bukkuyum Local Government Area of Zamfara State, have reportedly barricaded the entrance to the town and prevented the Deputy Governor, Mani Malam Mumini, from gaining access during a condolence visit over a deadly bandit attack.
The incident, which occurred on Sunday, reportedly forced the deputy governor and his security team to take cover amid fears that the aggrieved youths could attack them.
The youths were said to have expressed their anger over what they described as the government’s failure to protect residents from persistent bandit attacks and its alleged delay in visiting victims of the latest assault.
The deputy governor had travelled to the community to commiserate with residents following a recent bandit attack that reportedly claimed the lives of at least nine security operatives and several civilians.
However, rather than welcome the government delegation, the protesting youths allegedly blocked the entrance to the town and chanted “Bamayi”, a Hausa expression meaning “We don’t want you”.
Two residents, Lauwali Abubakar and Bawa Suleiman, reportedly confirmed the development, saying the youths were angered by the worsening security situation in the area.
Another resident, Kabiru Garba, who spoke with Leadership by telephone, said the community was particularly upset that no government official had visited to sympathise with residents immediately after the deadly attack.
“The people are angry. We lost nine security personnel and many innocent citizens. Nobody from government came when we were under attack and mourning our people. Now they are here, we don’t want them,” Garba was quoted as saying.
The confrontation reportedly escalated to the point where the deputy governor and his entourage had to take cover over concerns for their safety.
As of the time of filing the report, the deputy governor and his team were said to be stranded in the community while awaiting reinforcements to facilitate their safe departure.
The incident underscores growing frustration among residents of Bukkuyum Local Government Area, one of the communities in Zamfara State repeatedly affected by banditry and related security threats.
The latest development also highlights the growing challenge facing authorities as communities demand more effective protection against armed groups responsible for killings, abductions and destruction of property.
Although the deputy governor’s visit was intended to commiserate with victims and their families, the reported protest suggests that residents are increasingly demanding tangible security measures rather than condolence visits after attacks.
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