KEY POINTS

• Lawmakers say the Zamfara security crisis demands urgent federal action.
• The Governor has been accused of negligence and a poor response to the attacks.
• Armed gangs continue to overrun rural communities across the state.

The Zamfara State House of Assembly has intensified its criticism of Governor Dauda Lawal’s handling of the worsening security situation, calling on the Federal Government to assume direct control of operations.

During Tuesday’s plenary in Gusau, lawmakers detailed a series of fresh attacks by armed gangs that have left entire communities deserted. Led by Speaker Bashar Gummi, the members accused the governor of failing to visit victims, send relief materials, or deploy sufficient reinforcements.

Bandits ravage villages amid Zamfara security crisis

Bashir Masama, who represents Bukkuyum North, reported that recent attacks on four villages—Adabka, Zauma, Gwashi, and others along the Mayanchi-Bukkuyum road—have forced residents to flee.

Bashir Zango of Bungudu West described Gidan Bugaje, Zaman Gida, Kukan Nine and Gidan Dan-inna as “war zones,” warning that anyone venturing there “was committing suicide.”

Minority Leader Aliyu Kagara listed Morai, Bobbo, Makera, Jangebe, Gwaram and Ruwan Gizo as other communities in urgent need of protection.

Calls for FG takeover in Zamfara security crisis

Some lawmakers accused the state government of frustrating security agencies’ efforts and ignoring the plight of residents.

Ibrahim Bakura of Bakura Constituency alleged that recent attacks in Damri, Dakko, Kwanar Kalgo, Sama, Sabon Garin Damri, and Sade led to large-scale livestock theft without government response.

Others, such as Amiru Keta from Tsafe West and Faruk Dosara from Maradun I, asserted that the governor had abandoned the citizens to their destiny. Dosara even proposed serving an impeachment notice for “total abuse of office.”

Nasiru Maru of Maru North alleged thugs assaulted internally displaced protesters at the Government House.

Governor’s aide shifts blame to federal authorities

Governor Lawal’s media aide, Mustafa Jafaru, rejected the criticism, arguing that security is constitutionally a federal responsibility.

He described the attacks on the governor as either “ignorant” or “self-serving” and welcomed any move by Abuja to assume full control of the fight against banditry.