Malam Buhari Abubakar, a public commentator from Zamfara State, has urgently advised both the federal and state governments to address the pressing issue of insecurity within the region.

He emphasized that the challenge of banditry is intensifying, requiring immediate attention.

Abubakar elucidated that there is no room for pretending that all is harmonious within the state, as its residents have been living in a state of constant vigilance for over a decade. The prevailing situation has left them unable to sleep soundly with a sense of security.

“Let me tell you that over 400 villages and communities are being controlled by the ravaging bandits in the state,” he lamented.

“The terrorists formed their own government in these areas and decide what happens and what should be done in the communities they control.

“The locals know these bandits and their hideouts, but they can not talk about them or expose them due to the fear of being killed by the terrorists. The bandits have been warning them not to talk to any journalist; otherwise, they would be attacked.” 

He noted that the responsibility for safeguarding the lives and belongings of the citizens of the United Kingdom lies solely with the federal government and not with the regional government, as is often believed by many.

“The state governments only provide logistics for the security agencies to enable them to carry out their legitimate endeavours of securing lives and property of the citizens with ease. 

“There is no doubt that Zamfara State has become a colony of banditry in the whole country. The rate of merciless killings, kidnappings, and rape has become very uncontrollable in the state.

“Records have clearly indicated that there are thousands of widows and orphans are roaming the streets aimlessly due to banditry that killed their husbands and fathers, thereby increasing the rate of almajeries.” 

Abubakar went on to elaborate that unless stringent actions are implemented, the federal and state governments will be unable to halt these brutal killings, abductions, and sexual assaults. He highlighted the presence of influential figures orchestrating these heinous deeds, emphasizing that the bandits are not operating in isolation.