A wave of terror has engulfed the Mada district in Zamfara State, forcing a mass exodus of residents from over 30 communities following the sudden, overnight withdrawal of military personnel from Lilo village, where they had maintained security for over seven years.
Reports indicated that desperate families are now abandoning their homes in Lilo village, located in Mada district of Gusau Local Government Area of the state to escape imminent threats, leaving the area vulnerable to renewed wave of banditry
With the people abandoning their homes in search of safety, sources hinted that the mass movement commenced shortly after troops that have been stationed in the area for over seven years, were suddenly evacuated late at night, and a resident of Lilo, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said news of the security personnel’s departure quickly spread around the community.
According to the distressed resident, “We fled because we are afraid of imminent attacks by bandits. The troops have been our only protection”, adding that the soldiers were first deployed to the village in June 2019 by former Zamfara State Governor, Bello Matawalle, shortly after he assumed office.
“The troops stayed here for over seven years. There were more than 60 personnel from different security agencies. Their presence kept us safe,” he said, noting that the troops were withdrawn around 10 p.m., with two Armoured Personnel Carriers (APCs) and a Toyota Hilux used to evacuate them.
Offering further insights into the disturbing development, the resident said, “One of the security officers told me they were pulled out due to fears of ambush, especially as the rainy season begins. The river around the village makes access difficult, and reinforcement is nearly impossible.”
He vividly recalled the previous rainy season, when troops in the area were caught in a brutal ambush, losing six personnel because the treacherous, muddy roads prevented crucial reinforcements from arriving in time.
The resident hinted that fear forced over 30 communities throughout the Mada axis, stretching from Lilo to Gusami Gora and up to Birnin Magaji, had previously abandon their homes, creating a massive influx in Lilo as residents sought refuge under the protection of the military.
“We are surrounded by bandit camps. Some are less than three kilometres from this village, and some even occupy our farmlands,” he said, adding that the relationship between residents and the troops had been cordial, with communities providing daily support to the personnel.
He further stated that: “We supported them with food, firewood, water, and even farmland. We cultivated and harvested crops for them. During festive periods, we contributed to provide animals for celebrations”
While stressing that the collaboration between residents and security forces had ensured relative peace in the area for years, the source said: “For over seven years, there were no informants or bandit collaborators here. That is why we are now at risk—they see us as enemies for refusing to cooperate with them.”
The source, who expressed concern that staying back in the village without security protection could be disastrous, said, “If the bandits attack, they will burn people alive and destroy the entire village. That is why we have no choice but to leave.”
He also disclosed that displaced residents were heading toward Gusau, the state capital, despite efforts by authorities to redirect them to nearby Keita or Kwatarkwashi, saying: “The district head insists we must reach the capital so the government can respond quickly to our situation.”
Contacted on the disturbing development, the Zamfara State Police Command confirmed the development with the Police Public Relations Officer (PRO), DSP Yazid Abubakar, saying the Commissioner of Police, A.M. Bello, had taken swift action.
“We immediately deployed a police tactical team with support from two Armoured Personnel Carriers to the area,” Abubakar said adding that “with the presence of our personnel, calm has returned to the area.”
Bandits Strike Again, Kill Two Farmers In Zamfara
In another development, suspected armed bandits have killed two farmers during a daytime attack on Kaya village in Maradun Local Government Area of Zamfara State.
Security sources said the incident occurred at about 9:00 a.m. on April 27 when a large group of armed assailants stormed the community and targeted farmers engaged in land clearing on their farmlands.
According to community sources, the attackers opened fire indiscriminately, causing panic and forcing residents to flee for safety and in the process two male victims identified as Abdullahi Mai Kano, 50, and Najari Tari, 45, both indigenes of the area, were killed during the attack.
The sources confirmed that after the bodies were transferred to the Faru Primary Health Care center for necessary, and respectful procedures, before being handed over to their families for burial, adhering strictly to Islamic customs.
meanwhile, security teams are scouring the region, launching aggressive manhunt operations and strengthening patrols to apprehend the suspects and preempt additional attacks.
